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E D I T I OE ND I T I O NI T I O N ED
E April DIT ION 15-18, 2017
Volume 27 - No. 31 • 4 Sections – 30 Pages
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NO PENITENTS. Members of militant groups carry crosses as they march in Manila to show how they are being burdened by labor contractualization, extrajudicial killings, low wages and rising prices. ManilaTimes.net photo by Rene Dilan
USA
DATELINE City hosts community forum on FilipinoAmerican history in LA from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA
Fil-Ams provide input on citywide survey of community landmarks
the City of Los Angeles boasts a rich history of filipinos and their profound impact on Angeleno culture. since the immigration influx at the turn of the century, filipinos began migrating to the U.s., many of them settling in the LA area. Currently, LA is home to the largest population of filipinos outside of the Philippines with more than 374,000 filipinos residing in the LA County, according to the 2010 census. As a way to record the city’s cultural history, the City of LA office of historic resources (ohr), the Architectural resources Group (ArG) surveyLA have begun collecting more information from five of the city’s Asian American communities: Chinese-American, filipino-American, Japanese-American, Korean-American and thai-American. With this information, the city’s plan is to establish “historic context” documents that will provide identification of sites that are
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Breast cancer rates increasing among Asian Americans
Researchers examined breast cancer incidence rates among seven Asian American ethnic groups in this new study fremoNt, Calif. — In contrast to other U.s. racial/ethnic groups, Asian Americans have experienced steadily increasing breast cancer rates over the past 15 years. to better understand potential contributors to this increase, researchers at the Cancer Prevention Institute of California (CPIC) examined cancer incidence trends by age and stage among women from seven Asian American ethnic groups in California from 1988 through 2013. the findings were epub-
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mANILA, Philippines — the Department of tourism (Dot) expressed confidence on thursday, April 13 that Philippine security agencies are capable of protecting travelers to Central Visayas, two days after clashes in a Bohol town between a terrorist group and military and police left 10 people dead and tourists apprehensive to visit the region. In a statement, the Dot said the Armed forces of the Philippines (AfP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) were on top of the security situation in the Central Visayas region as it continues to coordinate with these government agencies to put tourists’ concerns at ease. “In this connection, we are actively coordi-
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Philippine Military Chief of Staff Gen. Eduardo Ano, center, gestures beside Philippine Navy Vice Adm. Narciso Vingson, left, and Philippine National Police Deputy Director for Administration Ramon Apolinario during a press conference at Camp Aguinaldo, the military headquarters in Quezon city on Wednesday, April 12, 2017. Philippine troops battling militants in a central province killed a key Abu Sayyaf commander who had been blamed for the beheadings of two Canadians and a German hostage and was apparently attempting another kidnapping mission, Ano said. Philstar.com
After talking to China, Duterte says he’ll skip South China Sea visit by alexiS
roMero Philstar.com
rIYADh — saying he values the Philippines’ friendship with China, President Duterte said on thursday, April 13 that he is no longer pushing through with his plan to go to Pag-asa Island in the south China sea on Independence Day. Duterte revealed that China had asked him not to celebrate Independence Day and raise the flag on Pag-asa Island, the largest among the Philippine-occupied areas in the disputed spratlys chain. “China said: ‘what will happen if every head of state will go there to (assert their) claim? they said if every head of state of contending parties there around the West Philippine sea, they President Rodrigo Duterte speaks during a meeting with the Filipino community in the Saudi capital
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Riyadh, on April 12, 2017. Duterte was on a three-day visit to meet Saudi leaders for investment, trade and support for overseas Filipino workers in the Kingdom. AFP/Fayez Nureldine
Marcos, Robredo ordered to deposit P81.46 M for poll protest by Patricia lourDeS Philstar.com
Viray
mANILA, Philippines — the supreme Court, acting as the Presidential electoral tribunal (Pet), has ordered former sen. Bongbong marcos and Vice President Leni to raise a total of P81.46 million for the former’s election protest. the tribunal’s rules provide that the cash for the protest and coun-
ter-protest is P500 for each precinct involved if they would require the bringing of contested ballot boxes and election documents. marcos called for a manual recount on 36,365 clustered precincts while he requested for the annulment of the results of 2,756 clustered precincts. the total 38,221 clustered precincts are composed of 132,446 precincts. In a resolution disclosed on mon-
day, the tribunal required marcos to deposit a total of P66,223,000 for the 132,446 precincts. meanwhile, robredo was ordered to raise P15,639,000 for the 31,278 precincts included in her counter-protest. Both camps are required to pay the cash deposit in two installments on or before April 14 and July 14. the marcos camp has filed a mo-
World Bank: PH economy top performer in East Asia
Growth forecast close to 7 percent in the next three years by Dana
SioSon AJPress
the World Bank on tuesday, April 11 says the Philippine economy will grow close to 7 percent in the next three years, remaining the top performer in east Asia. In its report, the bank retained its 6.9 percent economic growth forecast for the Philippines this year, and is likely to sustain the same growth rate in 2018 — which is down from its December projection of 7 percent. the bank also projected the domestic economy to slightly ease to 6.8 percent in 2019. however, World Bank lead economist for the Philippines Birgit hansl downplayed the downward adjustment in the 2018 growth forecast. “the revisions from the forecast in December is minor. statistically, it’s insignificant. It’s just that we have more information now than last year,” hansl said. “so as you can see, there is no major change. on the opposite, we see it as positive development.” taking note of the expected increase in the government’s infrastructure spending, hansl said the World Bank “continues to have a positive economic outlook for the Philippines that will be sustained throughout 2018.” “the implementation of planned infra-
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Fil-Ams encouraged to join this year’s Ambassadors’ Tour to PH Ambassadors’ tour on July 11 to 16 will bring travelers from the U.s. to manila and Davao, where the Philippine Consulate President rodrigo Duterte hails General and the Department of from. “the people who will be retourism (Dot) in Los Angeles recently announced the 11th Am- turning to the Philippines, rebassadors’ tour slated for this discovering the country with July as an opportunity for filipino their spouses and children, are Americans and foreign tourists to themselves the ambassadors of goodwill,” Consul General AdeConsul General Adelio Cruz introduces the 11th annual Ambassadors’ Tour, explore the Philippines. formerly the Ambassador, lio Cruz said of the tour’s name an immersion trip to Manila and Davao this July, during a presentation at Consuls General and tourism change during his introductory the Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles on Friday, April 7. AJPress photo by Ding Carreon Directors tour (ACGtDt), the remarks at the launch event on by chriStina
M. oriel
AJPress
friday, April 7. he added that this year’s program will be an experiential, adventure-filled way to reconnect with the Philippines and its cultural offerings. It is a joint effort by the Department of foreign Affairs, Department of tourism and tourism Promotions Board, the Philippine foreign service Posts in the United states, Philippine Airlines (PAL) and
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From the Front Page
Tourists safe in Central Visayas, DOT…
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nating for updates with our local and national security and law enforcement agencies who are fully capable of putting travellers’ concerns at ease,” the DOT said. On Tuesday, a group of Abu Sayyaf terrorists engaged security forces in a fierce gun battle in Inabanga town in Bohol. The clashes killed six bandits and four security forces. One of the six
killed was Maumar Askali, alias Abu Rami, who was a commander and spokesperson for the group and took part in the kidnapping and beheading of two Canadians and a German in the past. The terrorist group’s foray into Bohol was a first and far from their traditional strongholds in Sulu and Basilan. The DOT’s statement also came days after the US, Canada, Aus-
tralia and the UK warned their citizens against traveling to Central Visayas because of threats of kidnapping by terrorist groups. The DOT said that security authorities had given their assurance that both local and foreign travelers could continue with their travel plans, but travelers should exercise safety precaution in their destinations. “Proper authorities have assured that both international and domestic travellers may continue with their travel plans, even as we remind all stakeholders of usual safety precautions that must be routinely observed at all destinations,” the statement read. The department also thanked the AFP and the PNP for ensuring that the country remained a viable tourist destination. “We would like to take this opportunity to impart our utmost gratitude to the selfless dedication of our military and police personnel in ensuring that the country remain a safe and peaceful have to visit,” the DOT said. n
ON THE HUNT. This undated photo provided by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, people stand by boats which the military said were used by Abu Sayyaf militants to enter the Ibananga River in Bohol province, central Philippines, as government troopers continue clearing operations Wednesday, April 12. Photo courtesy of the Armed Forces of the Philippines
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structure projects could generate positive spillover effects for the rest of the economy, spurring additional business activity, accelerating job creation, and ultimately contributing to higher household consumption and poverty reduction,” she further added. Citing higher employment, low inflation and improved incomes, the World Bank also said in its report that the poverty rate in the Philippines fell down from 25.2 percent to 21.6 percent in 2015. This is likely equivalent to the 1.8 million Filipinos who have been lifted out of poverty within three years. Likewise, the unemployment rate fell to 4.7 percent in 2016 with 1.4 million jobs created. Hansl, however, made note that the underemployment rate remains high at 18 percent. “Underinvestment contributes to high rates of informality and low job quality, and it weakens the impact of employment growth on poverty reduction,” Hansl said. n
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From the Front page
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • APRIL 15-18, 2017
A
After talking to China, Duterte… PAGE A1 t
call it the (South) China Sea, will go there to plant the flag, there will likely be trouble,” the president told members of the Filipino community here. “So because of our friendship with China and because we value your friendship, I will not go there to raise the Philippine flag,” he added. Duterte did not say how China communicated its concerns to him. The president said he might just send one of his sons to the Independence Day rites in Pagasa, which is under Palawan’s fifth class town Kalayaan. It was not clear who among Duterte’s two sons would represent him during the event and whether he is serious when he made the statement. Duterte’s eldest son Paolo is the vice mayor of Davao City while his youngest son Sebastian is a businessman. Duterte has said he may spend this year’s Independence Day in Pag-asa, which is inhabited by about 180 people. He has also
promised to allot funds for the improvement and repair of the runway in the island. Duterte has also ordered the military to build structures on the nine Philippine-controlled islands in the South China Sea to make a “strong point” about the country’s ownership of these areas. A show of ‘goodwill’ The president, who has been accused of being too soft on China, promised not to visit any of the South China Sea islands being controlled by the Philippines. Because of the goodwill and friendship you’ve shown to us, I will not go to any of the islands,” he said, referring to China’s promise to support the Philippines’ development projects. The Philippines occupies nine islets in the Spratlys, the subject of a longstanding maritime dispute in the region. Aside from Pag-asa, the Philippines controls the Ayungin Shoal, Lawak Island, Parola Island, Patag Island, Kota Island, Rizal Reef, Likas Island and Pan-
ata Island. These isles are also being claimed by China, which claims to have historic rights over about virtually the entire South China Sea, a key shipping route for about $5 trillion worth of goods. China’s expansive claim, which covers 90 percent of the South China Sea, overlaps with that of the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei and Taiwan. But the claim has been declared as invalid by a Hague-based arbitral court, which acted on a complaint filed by the Philippine government in 2013. China has rejected the decision, calling it “illegal” and “a mere piece of paper.” Duterte has said that he was willing to set aside the arbitral ruling that favored the Philippines as he seeks to improve MaROYAL WELCOME. President Rodrigo Duterte listens to Prince Faisal Bin Bandar Al Saud, Governor of Riyadh upon his arrival at the Royal nila’s relationship with Beijing. Terminal of the king khalid International Airport in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Monday, April 10. Malacañang photo The president has also vowed not to surrender the Philippines’ rights in the South China Sea, a critical global trade route, part of which the Philippines calls the PAGE A1 t West Philippine Sea. n Rajah Tours. Through PAL and Rajah Tours, participants are presented with competitive airfare, hotel and tour packages, ranging around $800 to $1,800. The first full day of the trip will occur in the Philippines’ capital city, featuring a wreath laying ceremony in Rizal Park, a Filipino cuisine demonstration, and options to visit various museums or Intramuros. The group will then proceed Richmond Jimenez, the director of the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) office in Los to Davao — the “King City of the Angeles, shares details of the upcoming Ambassadors’ Tour. South” — for five days, where the itinerary includes a city tour and the president as a bait for those visiting the Philippine Eagle Cen- of you who would like to join the ter Tour and Eden Nature Park. tour.” “What better way to showAfter the six-day tour, trips case Mindanao than to showcase to Boracay, Palawan, Cebu-BoDavao City,” Cruz said. hol, Cagayan de Oro-Camiguin, Added DOT Director Richmond or Dumaguete-Siquijor can be Jimenez, “Davao has been a very booked as well. good destination in the PhilipDespite international news reFormer Sen. Bongbong Marcos filed an electoral protest against Vice President Leni Robredo, pines. A lot of people tend to go ports highlighting security conwho beat him in the 2016 polls. OVP | Philstar.com to Boracay or Pangasinan for the cerns and the World Economic Hundred Islands, but Davao on Forum (WEF) lowering the Philits own has amazing things and ippines’ ranking in its recent activities for you to do.” Travel and Tourism CompetiThe consul general said that tiveness Report, Jimenez invited Michelle Narvaez, area manager of Philippine nicities and the variation among nese, Korean, Filipino, Vietnam- the Consulate and DOT are not those in the U.S. to experience Airlines. AJPress photos by Ding Carreon ese, South Asians (Asian Indians making any promises that partic- the country for themselves. Asian American ethnic groups. Asian Americans includes and Pakistanis), and Southeast ipants will get a chance to meet “We go to back to January this is why we hold trips just like populations from nearly 30 coun- Asians (Cambodians, Laotians, Duterte. wherein we hosted Miss Uni- the Ambassadors’ Tour to show tries with differing migration Hmong, Thai). “We are hoping that the presi- verse, a big event, and currently people firsthand how is it like in All Asian Americans groups, dent would be there and should the Madrid Fusion Manila that the [country].” patterns, socioeconomic status, health behaviors and culture, all with the exception of Japanese, he be there, we will exert all our is happening,” he told the Asian To sign up for the Ambaswhich contribute to differences experienced an overall incidence efforts to request that we all be Journal. “There is a lot of news sadors’ Tour, the public may in disease incidence. In this increase. The largest increase was given an audience, even for a few and yes, we respect the views of visit http://www.philippinetourstudy, seven major ethnicities observed among Koreans, South minutes,” he said. “We are not the media…but the Philippines ismusa.com/2017-ambassadorswere evaluated: Chinese, Japau PAGE A4 going to use an audience with remains a safe destination and tour/. n
Marcos, Robredo ordered to deposit… PAGE A1 t tion for reconsideration before the PET order of payment for his electoral protest, according to a report from The STAR. The PET resolution was signed last March 21 but was only released on April 10. The tribunal earlier affirmed its jurisdiction over Marcos’ protest against Robredo. Section 4, Article VII of the 1987 Constitution provides that the PET is mandated to be the sole judge of all protests concerning the election, returns and qualifications of the president or vice president of the country. The PET had also denied the counter-protest of Robredo to dismiss the protest of Marcos. The tribunal ruled that the electoral protest is sufficient for the case to proceed. n
Breast cancer rates increasing among Asian… PAGE A1 t
lished ahead of print in the April issue of Breast Cancer Research and Treatment. Although prior research has examined subtype-specific incidence patterns among Asians/ Pacific Islanders as whole, this is the first examination of subtype-specific incidence patterns among Asian American eth-
Fil-Ams encouraged to join this…
A APRIL 15-18, 2017 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
City hosts community‌
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culturally significant to these Asian groups. The OHR was awarded a $72,000 Underrepresented Communities Grant from the National Parks Service (NPS) to conduct the wide-ranging project. The city is looking to develop these historic context statements to develop a national register nomination to the NPS. With the help of the FilipinoAmerican community, the city is looking to identify historically significant neighborhoods, com-
mercial areas, residences among other landmarks that are still standing today and had been utilized by the community between 1900 to 1980. While Historic Filipinotown is the geographically-designated center for Filipinos, the city is looking for historically significant businesses, organizations, trends, activities, movements, and people in all areas of LA, Jan Zatorski, deputy director of the Department of City Planning, said at a community forum for the historic context statement for
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Dateline USa Fil-Ams. Filipino-Americans of all enterprises — business, religious institutions, community organization and the arts — gathered at the Edendale Branch Library on Saturday, April 8 to learn more about the project, as well as to provide any information for the project organizers and consultants. Each of these entities must address the following “themes�: civil rights and civil liberties, commercial development, cultural development and institutions, deed restriction and segregation, labor history, religion and spirituality and social clubs and organizations. Long-time resident of Westlake Ronald Bonilla applauded the city for taking a step toward recognizing the Filipino influence of the city. “I don’t think many people realize how impactful Filipinos were and are in Los Angeles, and it’s nice to see [the city] make some kind of account of our history here,� Bonilla, 45, told the Asian Journal. Bonilla is a native Angeleno and second-generation Filipino American. Bonilla worries that the “influx of gentrifiers� in the city will wash away much of the city’s ethnic heritages, but he hopes that this project will help solidify and strengthen the cultural ties. “I hope that this will bring more recognition and attention to, not just Filipinos here, but to Asian Americans in general,� Bonilla added. “Gentrification is a big problem, but it’s not a problem without a solution.� (Klarize Medenilla/AJ Press)
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MAGELLAN’S CROSS. Cultural performers entertain the local and foreign tourists in front of Magellan’s Cross at Plaza Sugbu in Cebu City. Magellan’s Cross was planted by Portuguese and Spanish explorers as ordered by Ferdinand Magellan upon arriving in Cebu in the Philippines on March 15, 1521. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon
Breast cancer rates increasing among Asian‌ PAGE A3 t Asians and Southeast Asians. Rates increased for distant stage disease among Filipinas. Among women over age 50, increases occurred in all Asian American ethnic groups while for women younger than 50 large increases occurred for Vietnamese and other Southeast Asian groups. Although breast cancer incidence rates in Asian American women as a whole were lower than rates for whites, the rates for Japanese and Filipinas under age 50 were comparable to rates for similarly aged white women. Breast cancer incidence also varies by disease subtype defined by tumor expression of hormone
receptors and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Within California, proportionally more breast cancers expressed HER2 in Korean, Filipino, Vietnamese, and Chinese women than in white women. According to Scarlett Lin Gomez, the lead researcher of the study, “These patterns warrant additional attention to public health prioritization to target disparities in access to care, as well as further research in identifying relevant breast cancer risk factors for specific breast cancer subtypes. In particular, studies should investigate risk factors, perhaps early-life exposures, underlying the higher rates of breast cancer among young Filipino and Japanese women, with attention to possible genetic susceptibility.� Increasing trends of late-stage disease, particularly among Filipino, Korean and South Asian women, suggest a need for higher rates of mammography screening in these populations. Mammography utilization rates in California are slightly lower in Asian American women than in other racial/ethnic groups and among Asian Americans, Korean and South Asian women have the lowest mammography utilization, consistent with their higher rates of later-stage disease. The disproportionately high rates of some HER2 negative overexpressing subtypes also require better understanding, as this subtype tends to grow more quickly, spread more aggressively, and present more often as high-grade disease than the more common hormone recep-
tors or HER2 negative tumors. To conduct this study, researchers used data from the population-based California Cancer Registry in a state that is both the largest in the U.S. and has the most substantial population of Asian Americans. Comparison data were drawn for whites. From 1988-2013, researchers identified 45,721 invasive breast cancer cases among Asian Americans. Other researchers who participated in this study from CPIC are Julie Von Behren, Meg McKinley, Christina A. Clarke, Salma Shariff-Marco, Iona Cheng, Peggy Reynolds and Sally L. Glaser. This work was supported by the Stanford Cancer Institute and the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program under contract HHSN261201000140C awarded to the Cancer Prevention Institute of California. The Cancer Prevention Institute of California is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing cancer and to reducing its burden where it cannot yet be prevented. We are the only freestanding research institution working solely to prevent cancer using extensive population data. Our researchers study a wide range of cancer risk factors, such as racial/ethnic background, socioeconomic status, age, occupation, gender, genetic predisposition, geographic location, environment and lifestyle to determine how these factors affect frequency, distribution and types of cancers. For more information, visit the CPIC website at www.cpic.org. n
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Dateline USa
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • APRIL 15-18, 2017
A
Photojournalist wins Pulitzer Prize for photo series on PH drug killings Malacañang “respects” Pulitzer decision by Klarize
Medenilla AJPress
SECURITY CHECK. A Coast Guard personnel and his bomb-sniffing dog check the luggage of passengers at Pier 4 in Manila. The exodus of passengers to the provinces started on Tuesday , April 11 as the nation prepares to mark Holy Week. ManilaTimes.net photo by Rene Dilan
PH, US sign child protection agreement against trafficking The Philippines and the United States have signed the child Protection compact (cPc) on Tuesday, April 11, as part of efforts to address trafficking and abuse of filipino children. Philippine Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II, who is also chair of the Inter-Agency council Against Trafficking (IAcAT), signed the agreement with U.S. embassy in Manila chargé d’Affaires Michael Klecheski at the Department of Justice (DOJ) office. “To protect the future generation of filipinos from exploitation by organized criminal groups, the Philippines and the United States took it as a responsibility to device a concerted and wellcoordinated response against child labor trafficking,” Aguirre said in a statement. According to Aguirre, the cPc aims “to increase the number of victims-centered investigations, prosecutions, and convictions of Online Sexual exploitation of children (OSec) and child labor Trafficking (clT) cases.” The cPc also seeks “to strengthen government’s and civil society’s capacities to identify and provide comprehensive services for victims” and “to strengthen existing communitybased mechanisms for identifying and protecting child victims.” The implementation of the deal will be piloted in the national capital region (ncr) and central Visayas (region VII). “The evil of human trafficking should be fought on all fronts. We should channel our collective
efforts towards eradicating it. Anything that debases or dehumanizes the dignity of a person is an abomination that must end,” Aguirre said during the signing of the agreement. he further added, “Slavery and exploitation [have] no place in any society. Any act that which enslaves or exploits our children magnifies the evil a hundredfold.” Under the deal, the U.S. Department of State’s Office to Monitor and combat Trafficking in Persons will provide $3.5 million to fund non-governmental or international organizations that would address OSec and clT. According to Aguirre, $3 million of the said fund will be allocated to support capacity-building related to improving the Philippines’ response to OSec. The remaining $500,000, meanwhile, will be used to support activities related to the Philippines’ response to clT. The Philippines, for its part, will also allot P40 million for the intensified child protection programs. Apart from the DOJ, also included in the agreement are the following Philippine government agencies: Department of foreign Affairs (DfA), Department of Interior and local Government (DIlG), Department of labor and employment (DOle), and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). “let us not leave no stone unturned in our avowed purpose to protect our children. let us send a message, a strong one at that.
Wesley So
Wesley So is new US Chess champion
MAnIlA — The newest United States chess champion hails from the Philippines. Wesley So, a cavite-born chesser who now lives in Minnetonka, added the US championship plum to his growing collection of trophies as he bested Alexander Onischuk in the de-
ciding two-game playoff, 1.5-.5, in St. louis, Missouri on Tuesday, April 11. The cavite-born So, 23, won the first showdown in 31 moves of an english Opening and then eked out a marathon 62-move draw in the second of a King’s
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hurt our children, and we will come after you. And you will not like it,” Aguirre said. Also involved are the Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI), the national Bureau of Investigation (nBI), and the Philippine national Police (PnP). (Dana M. Sioson/AJPress)
A freelAnce photographer for The New York Times was one of the many journalists selected for the coveted 2017 Pulitzer Prize for his photographs depicting the anti-drug campaign in the Philippines. The Pulitzer Prize board selected Australian photojournalist Daniel Berehulak’s blistering photo series “They Are Slaughtering Us like Animals” for the Breaking news Photography category for his “powerful storytelling...showing the callous disregard for human life in the Philippines brought about by a government assault on drug dealers and users.” Berehulak’s series — which was shot over a span of 35 days — featured 57 murder victims at 41 sites in the Manila and Quezon city areas. It provided an inside look at rainy crime scenes, overcrowded jails filled with drug suspects and night shots of city life that set the backdrop of the crackdown. “What I experienced in the Philippines felt like a new level of ruthlessness: police officers’ summarily shooting anyone suspected of dealing or even using drugs, vigilantes’ taking seriously Mr. Duterte’s call to ‘slaughter them all,’” the photojournalist wrote in the article that accom-
In this image released on Feb. 13, 2017 by photographer Daniel Berehulak for The New York Times, heavy rain pours as police operatives investigate inside an alley where a victim, Romeo Joel Torres Fontanilla, 37, was killed by two unidentified gunmen riding motorcycles in the early morning in Manila, Philippines. President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines began his anti-drug campaign when he took office on June 30, 2016. Since then, more than 2,000 people have been slain at the hands of the police alone. Beyond those killed in official drug operations, the Philippine National Police have counted more than 3,500 unsolved homicides since July 1. The victims, suspected users and pushers, are not afforded any semblance of due process. Daniel Berehulak for The New York Times/World Press
panied his photos. This is Berehulak’s second Pulitzer; he won in 2015 for feature photography for his coverage of the ebola epidemic in West Africa. Despite its criticism of Western coverage on the drug war, Malacañang respects the decision to reward Berehulak for images. “The Pulitzer Prize Board has its own criteria and selection process and we respect their de-
cision on this matter,” Presidential Spokesperson ernesto Abella wrote in a statement on Tuesday, also acknowledging “the Western press has been highly critical of the Duterte administration’s campaign against illegal drug traffickers and violators.” Media coverage on President rodrigo Duterte’s violent drug crackdown has made international headlines since the president assumed office last June,
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Dateline USa
A APRIL 15-18, 2017 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
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Wesley So is new US Chess… PAGE A5 t
Indian Attack to secure the win and his very first US crown while denying Onischuk, the 2006 winner, his second triumph. The World No. 2’s US triumph was actually not as tough and strong as the other super tournaments he won including the Tata Steel Masters where he won over reigning world champion Magnus Carlsen early in the year and the Sinquefield Cup last year.
But So made it known he wanted to win the event participated by the US’ top 12 players and won by legendary players, including the late great former world champion Bobby Fisher. “I really wanted to win this one this year, because it’s the strongest national competition in the world, So told the US’ Star Tribune. “All the great (US) players have won this one,” he added. So and Onishchuk both end-
ed up on top with seven points apiece after the 11-round tournament and needed a pair of rapid games using 25-minute time control to break the tie. It was all So, who came to US from the Philippines on a Webster University scholarship five years ago before deciding to change affiliations a few years later, needed to dispatch Onischuk, who 18 years older. In their first game, So pounced on a two-pawn sacrifice that allowed Onischuk to seize the initiative a dangerous queenside attack. But Onishchuk failed to find the correct continuation in deep time trouble, giving So a chance to neutralize it by providing a rook for a bishop for an unstoppable passed pawn on the center. In the second, Onischuk gained the early upperhand when he managed to emerge with a dangerous pair of bishops against So’s two galloping knights but the former threw away his advantage to allow So to escape with the title-sealing standoff. n
PENANCE. Penitents walk barefoot throughout Pakil town in Laguna province while flogging themselves as a form of sacrifice during Holy Week. Inquirer.net photo by Chris Quintana
Filipina, 94, also a victim of United Airlines discrimination by TeTch
Torres-Tupas Inquirer.net
06/06/17
THE family of 94-year old Paz Arquiza was heartbroken by what she had to endure after she was booted by United Airlines from her Business Class seat and moved to Economy on her flight from Los Angeles to Melbourne, Australia. Arquiza had not had long trips for four years. She is suffering from severe arthritis and degenerative bone structure in her neck. But after Arquiza got a clearance from her doctor, Marianne Santos Aguilar said the family pitched in to buy their grandmother a Business Class ticket to ensure her comfortable travel. In their discrimination complaint against United Airlines dated Feb. 8, 2017, Rose Benedicto, Arquiza’s mother said the flight from Melbourne to LA was comfortable. “She was able to sleep and was very comfortable in Business Class,” Benedicto said adding that the flight attendants made every effort to accommodate her request to assist her
mother as needed. But their experience on United Airlines Flight 98 from Los Angeles to Melbourne on Feb. 2 was different. Benedicto said when she assisted her mother to the restroom, one of the flight attendant named Shauna rolled her eyes at her. When she asked Shauna if she could assist her mother with some tasks like reclining her seat and opening food containers she said the flight attendant told her that “people pay to be in Business Class,” referring to her. Benedicto was seated at the Economy class. A few minutes after making her request, Shauna and another flight attendant told her that they could grant her request. Instead, they told her that they could move Arquiza with her in Economy. “With the hope that my mother could stay in Business Class, I asked Shauna if she can help my mother open her butter because aside from fruits, bread with butter is most likely the only food she will eat during this flight due to her age. Without a word, Shauna abruptly turned her back on me,” Benedicto said. She said Shauna and the other flight attendant gave her two options: 1. have her mother sit in Economy with her or 2. get off the flight and reschedule the following day so she could purchase a Business Class ticket for herself to sit with her mother. The United Airlines employees told her she had five minutes to decide since the flight was taking off. Benedicto said she talked to her mother and explained that no one would assist her if she stayed in Business Class. Arquiza agreed to be moved to Economy. Upon their arrival to Melbourne, Arquiza’s legs had swollen due to poor circulation from prolonged sitting. She also suf-
Paz Arquiza, 94, reportedly also experienced how United Airlines treats some of its passengers. Photo courtesy of Marianne Santos Aguilar
fered a stiff neck and body aches. Her doctor had to prescribe a stronger medication and Valium to help her sleep. Aguilar said they filed a complaint but United had not even apologized. Two months after the incident, United emailed them only to tell them that the airline was already processing the refund of AUD$1,149.75 since Arquiza did not stay in Business Class. Her family had paid AUD$4,827.00 for that accommodation. In that same email, United promised to get back to them af-
ter two weeks. Aguilar said her grandmother was ok now “but we are forever tainted by this incident.” Last April 9, United Airlines dragged a passenger off a flight that the airline had reportedly overbooked in Chicago. Video of the incident and later photos of a bloodied passenger, David Dao, drew widespread criticism for United Airlines. Like Arquiza, Dao is of Asian descent. Reports say Dao, who lives in Elizabethtown in Kentucky, traces his roots in Vietnam. n
Fortune: Horn has no chance vs Pacquiao by Dino
Maragay Philstar.com
MANILA, Philippines — Manny Pacquiao’s strength and conditioning coach Justin Fortune just does not see Jeff Horn pulling off an upset on July 2. Speaking recently to Fox Sports Australia, Fortune belittled his countryman Horn’s resume, saying the 29-year-old prospect has beaten no-names. And that, Fortune believes, will spell a big difference when Pacquiao and Horn collide this July in Brisbane, Australia. “No. It’s plain and simple, no, he (Horn) has no chance,” Fortune told Fox Sports Australia. “Manny Pacquiao has fought nobody but world champions and ex-world champions — not ranked below No.4. “Jeff Horn has fought Ali [Funeka] ... whatever his [expletive] name was. That’s it.” Indeed, only Ali Funeka, a former world title challenger, stands out among Horn’s 16 wins. The Australian defeated the South African fighter via technical knockout last year. Pacquiao, in contrast, sports a resume worthy of the Hall of Fame, and Fortune was quick to point that one out. “It’s the quality of competition
Justin Fortune supervises Manny Pacquiao’s workout in this file photo.
(that matters). It’s got nothing to do with being a bigger puncher,” added Pacquiao’s strength coach. Fortune went on to rave about Pacquiao’s speed and power, which the Filipino still possesses even at the twilight of his career. “Pacquiao punches like he’s a [expletive] super middleweight ... his speed is ridiculous,” Fortune continued. “Still, at 38 years old, he’s stupidly fast. Pretty much one of the three fastest guys out there and
then on top of that he has natural power, which is a gift. “He might (have lost) a little bit of speed but even if he loses two or three spots in speed, he’s still faster than anyone else out there.” Asked how long he thinks the fight will last, Fortune said it’s all up to Pacquiao “It will go as long as Manny wants it to go,” Fortune said. “Unfortunately for Jeff, he’s not a triple A (level fighter) he’s an A fighter.” n
Photojournalist wins Pulitzer Prize… PAGE A5 t
and the president has not taken too kindly to the coverage. Most recently, Duterte called out the media for “unfair” and “twisted” coverage on his presidency, accusing various domestic publications of distorting
his words regarding the war on drugs. “They become really vicious and virulent,” the president said in remarks before the Philippine Councilors’ League on Thursday, March 29. “Ganun yan. Mabasa, makita mo naman talagang ti-
nitwist nila. Yung slant na slant. Sinasadya nila. (They’re like that. You can read and see how they twist [the story], the slant. They do it consciously). They do not complete the sentence. They zero-in on the adjective or however you describe the situation.” n
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A
Palace: Karapatan’s report on ‘UN video behind Robredo rating dip’ killings to UN ‘questionable’ by JeffersoN
aNtiporda ManilaTimes.net
by Nestor
Corrales Inquirer.net
MALACAÑANG has questioned the move of human rights group Karapatan after it reported to the United Nations (UN) the alleged political killings under the Duterte administration. Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said it was “not the policy of the Duterte administration” to violate human rights. “To attribute the killings to government is a serious allegation, contrary to President Duterte’s stand that ‘our principled position (is) that disputes should be settled in a peaceful manner,’” Abella said in a statement on Wednesday, April 12. Karapatan said it submitted on Tuesday to the office of UN special rapporteur Agnes Callamard the case files of 47 victims of extrajudicial killings in the Philippines under the Duterte government’s anti-insurgency campaign. The human rights watchdog said that victims of the alleged extrajudicial killings carried out by state forces were peasants, indigenous peoples, Moro, workers, women, and youth. Abella questioned the move of
Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella
Karapatan to file a report before the UN. “We therefore find Karapatan’s move rather questionable, considering that our own justice system and domestic institutions are more than adequate to judge the matter,” he said. Though some groups may not want peace, the Palace official said the government has entered into peace talks with the communist rebels. “Despite the initial setbacks, the GPH and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines continue to pursue peace and seek solutions to the root problems of the age-old armed con-
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THE LAW OFFICES OF NORIEL L. FLORES 2 5 YEARS OF LAW P RACT ICE IN CALIFORNIA NORIEL L. FLORES, ESQ. MELISSA J. HERBITO, ESQ.
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Malacañang photo
flict,” he said. “Though interested elements from various groups may not want the peace negotiations to succeed, the Duterte administration is singular in achieving the goal of peace that will ultimately serve the entire Filipino nation,” he added. While Duterte is open to any investigation, Abella said that they should follow his conditions. “The Philippines is a sovereign and democratic state. President Duterte has been open to any investigation but he has also set conditions for any international body to come in and interfere with its domestic affairs,” he said. n
session of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs (UN-CND) wherein she criticized the illegal VICE President Leni Robredo’s drug war of the administration. Senate President Aquilino Picontroversial video message to the United Nations (UN) about mentel 3rd was one of those who the government’s campaign demanded that Robredo rectify against illegal drugs could be be- some of her claims, particularly hind the drop in her satisfaction that part when she said that more ratings, according to a political than 7,000 people were victims analyst. Professor Ramon Casiple, executive director of the Institute for Political and Electoral Reform (IPER), said the 11-point dip in Robredo’s ratings was beyond the “normal range.” In the latest Social Weather Stations survey held from March 25 to 28, Robredo got a “moderate” +26 net satisfaction rating, one grade down from the “good” +37 she received in December last year. She registered the biggest decline in ratings among top government officials. Aside from the UN video controversy, the opposition’s vague role and the weak projection of its position on raging issues also contributed to her satisfaction rating, Casiple said. Robredo is the chairperson of the Liberal Party. The vice president drew flak last month because of the video message she sent during the 60th
of extra judicial killings. Casiple said Robredo should not shrug off her waning ratings. “It (decline) is not within the normal range and although it is still good, she needs to pay more attention,” he explained. But LP said that the 11-point drop was expected.
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OpiniOn
Features
Retirement haven
IN this peak travel season, among the foreigners exploring the archipelago will be retirees. A recent report said the Philippines has been chosen as one of the top 20 best countries to retire. In the 2017 Global Retirement Index, prepared annually by the publication International Living, the Philippines ranked 19th. The index is based on the environment for accommodating retirees, including pension and medical systems. Prices are also generally considered affordable. Only four Asian countries made it to the top 20, but the Philippines ranked behind Malaysia, Thailand and Cambodia. Apart from the cost of living and mild climate, the 20 countries were chosen based on health and welfare systems, entertainment, infrastructure as well as ease of fitting into society, securing an immigration visa and permanent residence. International Living picks 25 best retirement havens annually, collating inputs from its editorial staff, contributors and contacts around the world. Mexico, Panama and Ecuador topped this year’s list. Retiring abroad is gaining popularity among Americans, according to the publication. Countries such as Panama see a growing market and are actively courting retirees through measures such as
easier residency visa requirements and discounts on a wide range of items including airfare and accommodations. Retirees from different countries are among the top clients for medical tourism in Asia. Malaysia got high marks for medical tourism, and Thailand is competing for a bigger share of the market. The Philippines, which is trailing most of its Southeast Asian neighbors in tourist arrivals, already has in place numerous benefits and programs for senior citizens. English is widely spoken, the cost of living is competitive compared with neighboring countries, and the weather is kind to the elderly. Health facilities can be expanded to boost medical tourism. Relevant agencies must seize the opportunity and work with the private sector to lure more retirees. The country is in a position to compete more aggressively for a larger share of this market. (Philstar.com)
Guest Editorial
Philstar.com photo
Trump wants to stop insurance payments for those subsidized by Obamacare WARNING: If you are among the 7 million people, or 58 percent, of those who signed up for Obamacare coverage for 2017 and qualify for costsharing subsidies, then you may lose that help you are getting, thanks to President Donald Trump. Contrary to what he said about moving onto his other agendas, it seems Trump is not letting go of his devastating loss in getting the Trumpcare to repeal and replace Obamacare. The Republican Party is still not coming up with a new, concrete bill that will get bipartisan support, primarily because the Democrats will not be on board with any plan that will repeal Obamacare which they say has covered and helped so many of their constituents get affordable quality health care, especially the poor and elderly who rely on the Medicaid expansion.
Frustrated about not getting anything done to fulfill his The Fil-Am campaign promise of repealing Obamacare on day one, Presi- Perspective dent Trump is now resorting to a new tactic: He is threatening to stop insurance payments to try to get Democrats to negotiate on Obamacare. These insur- Gel SantoS-ReloS ance payments help as subsidies, which reduce deductibles and co-payments for lower-income people. Reports say that without the payments, insurers could try to pull out of the Obamacare marketplace immediately. In fact, this climate of uncertainties fueled by Trump’s rhetoric has reportedly been prompting some insurers to drop
out for 2018. Trump said in an interview, “I don’t want people to get hurt.” But then the repercussions of this plan will hurt many people, especially the poor and the marginalized — many of whom voted for him in the election. He has been scaring people that Obamacare will implode and then explode, but threats such as this will certainly make that happen. And he worries his administration will be held responsible for any problems with Obamacare. “The longer I’m behind this desk and you have Obamacare, the more I would own it,” Trump said. “What I think should happen — and will happen
— is the Democrats will start calling me and negotiating,” he said in the interview. “President Trump is threatening to hold hostage health care for millions of Americans, many of whom voted for him, to achieve a political goal of repeal that would take health care away from millions more,” Democratic Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York said in a statement. Do you agree with President Trump? Will you be among those who will lose your subsidy because he wants to kill Obamacare? *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook.com/Gel. Santos.Relos
The value of universal health care: Actualized by the Philippine Medical Society of Northern California (Part 3 OF 3)
“THERE may be Rhizomes a great fire in our soul, yet no one ever comes to warm himself at it, and the passerby only sees a wisp of smoke PRoSy abaRquezcoming through the DelacRuz, J.D. chimney, and go along their way. Look here, now what must be done? Must one tend the inner fire, have salt in oneself, wait patiently yet with how much impatience for the hour when somebody will come and sit down—maybe to stay? Let him who believes in God wait for the hour that will come sooner or later.” – Vincent van Gogh, The Complete Letters of Vincent van Gogh, 1959. Imagine not simply waiting for the hour to come as Van Gogh describes, but instead, mustering all we can to stoke the fires within, to give of ourselves and to feel alive? Imagine losing physicians’ and nurses’ income for a week, spending your own dollars for airfare, hotel, and food expenses to travel 7,461 miles away from America, to give your best efforts to heal folks? Would you step outside of your comfort zone just to give to others? “Just help, and [then] come back with satisfaction and don’t even think of the rewards,” as Jesse Madayag, a nurse and volunteer of 17 years said. “Ayaw ninyo ba nang heaven awards (Don’t you want heavenly awards), [where] your returns are divine?” I sat down for a one-on-one interview with these professionals one stormy evening in Daly City, California, where our travel from Los Angeles took us two days of six hours each and a total of 400 miles one-way, after the rains shut down a major highway, California Highway 1, going to Big Sur, and after a detour, where part of Highway 17 collapsed, which gridlocked traffic. Yet, my travel paled in comparison to what these 149 volunteers did, which included 32 doctors, two dentists, nurses, educators and students who worked in inclement weather, rains, floods, and still exhibited their best
selves to thousands in Dumaguete. 2015 and 2016 were difficult years to procure medical supplies, as most were shipped to Italy’s post-earthquake relief efforts, yet that did not stop Isaac Diolosa, another volunteer nurse from helping. He felt compelled to pay forward his good life in America, after immigrating from Saudi Arabia. Both he and Jesse helped in the setup of a provincial hospital operating room, with supplies and personnel to do pre-operational, operational, postoperational recovery ward and if needed, hospitalization. Lines snaked around the gymnasium complex, which was packed with thousands of locals needing primary health care. 2017 Dumaguete Medical Mission In February, the Northern California edition of the Asian Journal featured these volunteers, including Negros Oriental Chinese Chamber of Commerce officials and the liaison work done by the Alameda Sister City Association. Members of the Philippine Medical Society of Northern California (PMSNC) and their friends often bid for the mission to be held in their home provinces and the Board of Directors schedules the missions. The mission coordinator makes a visit a year in advance to talk over the necessary arrangements and form partnerships with local entities, Cynthia Bonta informed us. But, the 2017 Dumaguete Medical Mission was different in that the Alameda-Dumaguete Sister City Partnership, Cynthia Bonta explained, “as the 2015 invitation was initiated through City of Dumaguete Mayor Manuel T. Sagarbarria during the official formation of the sister city in Alameda, California. The Alameda Sister City members in the US would then provide assistance in hosting the volunteers in Dumaguete, as well as provide support for preparations in California, with the packing of medical supplies and equipment done in Alameda.”
“The Alameda Dumaguete Sister City Partnership includes a humanitarian program in its five-year plan. Dr. Maria Araceli Deguzman, who was among the Alamedans who officially formed this sister city, gave a presentation on the PMSNC medical mission. We knew that PMSNC was our choice partner for humanitarian service,” Bonta shared further. Bonta, founding Chair of the Alameda Dumaguete Sister City Committee and VP of the Alameda Sister City Association, served as liaison between current Dumaguete City Mayor Felipe Remollo’s designees: Councilor Lani Ramon, Dr. Maria Sarah Talla, Head of the City Health Office, Edward Du, President of the Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and PMSNC Mission Coordinator, Dr. Marlene Cordero. Dr. Marlene Cordero, 2017 medical mission coordinator in Dumaguete, reported that 149 volunteers came from both Northern and Southern California to give care to 53 patients in podiatry (folks with foot pain); 183 patients in imaging and ultrasound; dispensed 1,198 pairs of reading glasses; 968 patients had teeth extracted but also blood pressure readings; 3,584 patients in outpatient care (eyes, nose, throat, ears, general medicine, gynecology, pediatrics, psychiatry, and other patient services); 82 major surgeries (cleft palate, hernia, thyroid, hysterectomy and cataracts) to a total of 6,187 patients cared for. Everything was done in five days, with pre-planning done ahead of time, by coordinators and volunteers. While we can easily quantify the monetary costs of the supplies, medications, shipping, and equipment, the dollar amounts belie the true cost of the single medical mission’s total material value, as Dr. De Guzman wisely pointed out. “You can only imagine but not put a dollar sign on what a group of altruistic doctors who leave their private practices for a week, (while continuing to pay for rent and staff for their medical offices, not to mention professional liability insurance premiums back home)
Volunteers participate in this year’s medical mission to Dumaguete organized by the Philippine Medical Society of Northern California. Photo courtesy of the Philippine Medical Society of Northern California
collectively lose in income. We’re not even talking about the costs of these professional services rendered during mission week if they were not free,” Dr. De Guzman shared. “The Alameda city is very grateful to Dr. De Guzman and PMSNC for bringing their medical mission to their sister city in the Philippines. The sister city mission is to promote peace. No better way can we do that than through medical service and health care,” Bonta added. How did I hear about them? Recruited by Bonta in January of this year, Enrique de la Cruz, Ph.D., a certificated educator on geriatric health and wellness (and this writer’s husband), joined the medical mission, where he conducted four health seminars on healthy strategies of living, even if with diabetes, hypertension and arthritis.
Dr. Maria Araceli de Guzman: Laoag medical mission coordinator for 2016 Now on her 15th medical mission while living in the U.S., I talked to Dr. De Guzman -- Cely to her friends and Maria to work colleagues, named after her grandma. Her mom grew up with the Benedictine Sisters in Tacloban, where Dr. De Guzman learned about giving to others. She also learned about the genesis of her name, “Sta. Maria de Araceli,” a baroque-styled church built in the late 17th century by Emperor Augustine for the Blessed Mother Mary, who dreamt of having Jesus. On a pilgrimage to Rome, Dr. De Guzman walked 200 steps uphill in the pouring rain, to enter the Sta. Maria de Araceli church. At 21 years old, her surgeon men-
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OpiniOn & Features
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • APRIL 15-18, 2017
STOP THE CULTURE OF WASTE. Members of the EcoWaste Coalition mark Holy Wednesday on April 12 with a penitential Stations of the Cross for the protection of our Mother Earth against the growing volume of plastic and electronic wastes and the wanton operation of illegal dumpsites throughout the country. Philstar.com photo
The value of universal health care‌
PAGE A8 t
tors were Drs. Florentino (Boy) Doble, a general surgeon, and Dr. Jose “Ping� Duran, an eye surgeon. “They were volunteer doctors of the UST Medical Missions, Inc., essentially the very first organized professional medical mission group in the country,� she shared. She volunteered to help with the Mangyans, Mindoro’s indigenous people, who sought medical care from their medical mission. Even then, Dr. De Guzman believed in the value of universal health care for all peoples, regardless of ethnic or tribal origins, G-strings or not, as other medical mission doctors. She watched how confident her mentor was, Dr. Corazon Rivera-Arcangel, an anesthesiologist. She also watched how other doctors performed thyroid surgeries and cleft palates repairs. Her job was to hold the retractor for the surgeons so they might see the tissue. Towards the end of the week, she was given the task of cutting off the last of the thyroid tissue hanging. That completed task stayed with her and gave her a sense of human connection, a sense of fulfillment and direction for her future. She knew she wanted to be in an operating room and to join medical missions. While talking to her classmates over Coke and peanuts, she told them about her summer’s medical mission. They too wanted a similar mission in their province, Borongan, Samar. One classmate’s father is Samar’s governor, while another classmate’s father was the provincial auditor. Samar was a young province and it could not supply the airfare needed for the volunteers, but it could supply a site for the medical mission to happen. So, they did Christmas caroling to raise the airfares of five personnel: two surgeons, two anesthesiologists, and one nurse.
The surgical team effectively removed goiters, hernias, and cataracts. “We did so much in five days more than what I would have seen in an operating room in UST,� Dr. De Guzman said. “We saw 40 cases in five days, starting early and ending at midnight. People kept bringing in food and some traveled by boat from the interior barangays, as Samar had only rough roads then. That’s when I discovered that folks in those far-flung areas had goiters as large as footballs!� Humanity was best served by these professional volunteers, who gave parts of themselves to better the lives of others. Priceless volunteer work which ended up stoking their fires within! Part III B continues the piece on these incredibly noble Filipino-American volunteers. Allow me to wish you a Happy Easter and joyful Resurrection of God tomorrow, Easter Sunday 2017! Footnote: Part I was on the Acupuncture Insights of R. Antonio Whiteley, published on April 1, 2017. Part II was on The Reform of Health Care Through Healthy Eating, published April 8, 2017. Part III A is on the Philippine Medical Society of Northern California’s Medical Mission in Dumaguete, published on April 15, 2017. Part III B will appear next week.
*** Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz, J.D. writes a weekly column for Asian Journal, called “Rhizomes.� She has been writing for AJ Press for 9 years now. She contributes to Balikbayan Magazine. Her training and experiences are in science, food technology, law and community volunteerism for 4 decades. She holds a B.S. degree from the University of the Philippines, a law degree from Whittier College School of Law in California and a certificate on 21st Century Leadership from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. She has been a participant in NVM Writing Workshops taught by Prof. Peter Bacho for 4 years and Prof. Russell Leong. She has travelled to France, Holland, Belgium, Japan, Mexico and 22 national parks in the US, in pursuit of her love for arts.
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PH brings home 91 repatriated Filipinos from Saudi THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Thursday said it is bringing home 91 Filipinos under the Saudi Amnesty Program. “This is the first batch of Filipinos in Saudi whose repatriation was facilitated by the Philippine Government,” it said in a statement. The agency said Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs Jesus I. Yabes and Senior Special Assistant Ricardo M. Endaya already distributed tickets
to the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). DFA said the Interior Ministry of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia starting March 29 this year allowed undocumented migrant workers to leave the country without penalties under its amnesty program. It said the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has already discussed with the repatriates the different OWWA programs they can avail upon returning to the Phil-
ippines. DFA said they are expecting thousands to be repatriated in the coming weeks. “All Filipinos who have irregular status in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are encouraged to avail of the amnesty,” it said, adding that those interested may visit the website of the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Inquirer.net)
OUTPATIENTS. Patients from Batangas Medical Center are brought outside after a magnitude-6 earthquake hit the province on April 8. The recent earthquake swarm in Batangas province left P2-billion worth of damage, most of these on houses, churches, government buildings and business establishments, an official of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) said. Inquirer.net photo by Kristine De Vera
‘UN video… Philippines envoy hits back at UK for
Vice President Leni Robredo
PAGE A7 t
Senator Francis Pangilinan, president of the erstwhile ruling party, said Robredo’s satisfactory ratings declined because some sectors “may not be in agreement with her positions on several issues.” Pangilinan noted that even President Rodrigo Duterte satisfaction rating dropped by seven percentage points. “The 11-point drop means that a segment of the population may not be in agreement with a number of positions she has taken, but that is expected as well,” Pangilinan said. The camp of Robredo took the drop in her rating in stride, saying it is a reminder to “do better.” “We take every survey as a continuing challenge to do better and make a bigger difference in the lives of the marginalized,” Georgina Hernandez, the spokesperson for the Vice President, said in a statement. “We are grateful for the continued trust of our fellow Filipinos in the recent SWS satisfaction ratings. The support of the majority is an encouragement to Vice President Leni Robredo, who is working with communities and partners to address poverty around the country,” Hernandez added. (With Llanesca T. Panti)
dismay over Duterte’s ‘brutal regime’ by Patricia Lourdes Philstar.com
Viray
MANILA, Philippines — Philippine Ambassador to the United Kingdom (UK) Antonio Lagdameo stressed that the country is committed to human rights in response to an article published in a British newspaper which appears to be critical of the Duterte administration. The Guardian recently published an article titled “Dismay over Liam Fox’s claim of ‘shared values’ with Duterte’s brutal regime.” London senior officials have expressed concern over the declaration of UK International Trade Secretary Liam Fox of “shared values” with President Rodrigo Duterte, whose war on drugs has killed more than 7,000 people. This declaration has prompted dismay about the British government’s approach to human rights as it seeks post-Brexit trade deals, The Guardian reported. Barry Gardiner, shadow secretary of state for international trade, warned about the association of Fox with Duterte. “I’m sorry, but we do not have these shared common values with President Duterte who wants to bring back the death penalty and lower the age of criminal responsibility to nine,” Gardiner told The Guardian. UK Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokesman Tom Brake described Duterte as “one of the 21st century’s most sinister leaders.” Lagdameo wrote a letter to The Guardian in response to the article and stressed that Duterte’s war on drugs adheres to the rule of law, due process and human rights. “It is anchored not only in law enforcement, but also in reha-
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte gestures while addressing army troopers during the 120th anniversary celebration of the Philippine Army Tuesday, April 4, 2017 at Fort Bonifacio in suburban Taguig city, east of Manila, Philippines. Duterte threatened on Monday to unleash new attack aircraft and the “full power of the state” against communist rebels if a new round of peace talks fails, and insisted they accept new conditions including a halt to extortion and to territorial claims. Philstar.com
bilitation of drug addicts, and poverty alleviation programmes aimed to improve the lives of victims, especially young people,” Lagdameo said. The Duterte-appointed ambassador called on the international community to look beyond media reports on killings of drug suspects in the Philippines. “Let me assure those who have raised concern on the campaign against illegal drugs: all these killings are being thoroughly and impartially investigated. Philippine authorities are committed to bringing the perpetrators to justice,” Lagdameo said. Meanwhile, New York-based Human Rights Watch (HRW) said that Lagdameo’s statement shows that he is unaware or unwilling to publicly acknowledge how Duterte has made repeated calls for killings as part of the drug war. Phelim Kine, HRW Asia Division Deputy Director, stressed that Duterte’s killing campaign has largely targeted the poor and
could amount to crimes against humanity, as defined by the International Criminal Court. “On March 26, Duterte admitted that impoverished Filipinos constituted a large percentage of drug war victims and sought to justify those killings on the basis that he needed to ‘clean up’ the Philippines,” Kine said. Kine also noted that Lagdameo is not the only Philippine official publicly soft-pedalling the death toll of Duterte’s drug war. Philippine National Police Director General Ronald Dela Rosa has consistently resisted calls for an independent inquiry into the 2,622 killings attributed to the police since Duterte took office. He said that this would harm the morale of the police, Kine said. “Filipinos deserve accountability for the human rights calamity that Duterte has unleashed on their country in the guise of a ‘war on drugs,’ not cynical spin by diplomats and senior government officials,” Kine said. n
Taiwan to remove visa requirement for Pinoys by ed
Margareth Barahan Inquirer.net
FILIPINOS will be granted visa-free access to Taiwan starting on June 1, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) announced Wednesday. According to a report by Taiwan News, the move is to encourage more tourists from countries in South and Southeast Asia to visit Taiwan, as part of the government’s “New Southbound Policy,” which aims to forge closer trade and economic ties with South and Southeast Asian nations. It said that visa-exempted Filipinos may stay up to 30 days. The Taiwanese government in October last year has eased its visa requirements for qualified Philippine passport holders, according to the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in the Philippines. All Philippine passport holders were previously required to apply for visa before they could
visit Taiwan. Taiwan News said that last January, Taiwan noted that the number of South and Southeast Asian tourists visiting the country reached 68,000, marking a
year-on-year increase of 42.8 percent and the biggest growth in four years, according to government data. TECO has yet to announce details of the new visa-free policy. n
PH among world’s top retirement destinations by charMie Joy
PaguLong Philstar.com
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines ranked 19th among 24 countries named as best retirement havens, according to the 2017 Global Retirement Index Report released in January. International Living, an expert on global retirement and relocation opportunities, examined 24 countries based on their attractiveness to pensioners on a range of lifestyle categories. These categories include housing cost, welfare system, cost of living, ease of “fitting in,” entertainment, health and medical systems, infrastructure and climate, as well as ease of secur-
ing an immigration visa and permanent residency. The Philippines obtained a score of 78.2 with the highest on ease of “fitting in,” 95; followed by entertainment and amenities, 90; healthcare, 89; cost of living, 85; infrastructure, 84; healthy lifestyle, 73; benefits and discounts, 72; climate, 70; visas and residence, 64, and buying and renting, 60. Among countries in Southeast Asia, Malaysia made it to the top 10, placing sixth. Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam ranked 12th, 17th and 24th, respectively. The top three best countries to retire are Mexico, Panama and Ecuador. Mexico obtained more than 90
index points and scored high in most categories. A number of Latin American countries also made it to the list, although some are “poorly perceived in terms of security and public order.” These are Costa Rica, 4th; Colombia, 5th; Nicaragua 8th; Honduras, 11th, Peru and Belize, 14th; Bolivia, 18th and Dominican Republic, 20th. In Europe, Spain ranked 7th; Portugal 9th; Malta, 10th, Italy, 13th and France 16th. The report said most of these countries have an established pension and medical system, mild climate, pleasant and natural environment and the prices of commodities are low. n
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Pinay transgender Ivory Aquino called ‘Hollywood’s next big thing’ by Ricky Lo Philstar.com
A FeW weeks ago, one of America’s top networks, ABC, aired a compelling mini-series about the struggles of LGBT civil rights movement in the US featuring Filipino transgender Ivory Aquino (featured in Funfareseveral issues ago), reportedly a niece of former Pres. Cory Aquino. ABC News dubbed her the show’s “breakout star� while The Hollywood Reporter described her as “Hollywood’s next big thing.� The Manila-born Ivory is in the stellar lead cast of ABC’s mini-se-
ries “When We Rise,� the eighthour drama which chronicles 45 years of the LGBT movement which was written and created by Oscarwinning filmmaker Dustin Lance Black whose 2008 radical biopic Milk won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for Black and Best Actor for Sean Penn. As Funfare reported, Ivory, 26, played HIV/AIDS and transgender activist Cecilia Chung, one of the five real-life LGBT pioneers depicted in the drama. The other four central characters were played by Mary-Louie Parker, Guy Pearce, Rachel Griffiths and
Michael K. Williams. The supporting cast included Phylicia Rashad, David Hyde Pierce, Rob Reiner, T.R. Knight, Rosie O’Donnell and Whoopi Goldberg. For the role of Chinese-American transgender woman Chung, Black told Buzzfeed he specifically asked the casting directors to find him a real trans actor. And they recommended Ivory to play Chung, and sent her tape along to Black, who still had no idea Ivory was trans even after seeing the tape. “I got a little angry with them,� Black confessed. “I said, ‘I want to cast trans—go work harder, go find
No more selfies with Lea Salonga by Boy
ABundA Philstar.com
Lea Salonga the coach is just as passionate as Lea the performer.
IF Lea Salonga turns down your request for a photo op, don’t lose heart. The Tony awardee doesn’t mean to hurt your feelings. And her “no� is not final and executory. She’s just protecting her security in these uncertain times when a celebrity’s life can be snuffed at the hands of those who adore them most—the fans. Sometimes, the perpetrator is a total stranger. It happened to Selena, whom the founder of her fan club—Yolanda Saldivar—shot and killed her one shocking day. Former The Voice contestant Christina Grimmie was felled by a bullet aimed at her by a man during a meet-and-greet in Orlando, Florida. “In their efforts to be generous with fans, a few artists end up six feet under the ground. I don’t want that, and chances are, it will never happen to me,� explains Lea. The original Kim of Miss Saigon is understandably scared. So she’s selective about who to pose for photos with. She’s also forever on her toes. “I can’t be ebullient,� she points out. “I’ll be measured in my reactions.� Lea, after all, is as human as you and me. The mere suspicion of danger scares her. But fans, don’t give up. If at first you fail, you can always try again. Lea herself says you can. And don’t ever think your idol doesn’t like you. Speaking of faraway places, Miss Saigonrecently reopened to mixed reviews in Broadway. Lea’s heart goes out to the producer, Cameron Mackintosh, and the cast, some of whom — like Jon Jon PAGE B2
Ivory Aquino plays Cecilia Chung, a Chinese-American transgender woman, in the ABC miniseries “When We Rise.�
a trans actress.’ They said, ‘Ivory’s going to be calling you.’ She came out to me on the phone as trans.� According to Buzzfeed, casting trans performers in trans roles has been a challenging task for Hollywood, from “The Danish Girl� to “Transparent� to “Dallas Buyers
Club.� But not in the case of “When We Rise,� thanks to Ivory. She’s simply thrilled that her performance got rave reviews from critics who called her acting “great� and “thoughtful,� among other things. One critic wrote, “And CeIn a People magazine story, Ivory identified as PAGE B2 ‘the niece of former Pres. Cory Aquino’.
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Lessons from stars’ biggest Ian Veneracion takes inspiration trials and ‘darkest moments’ from Charo Santos’ ‘journey’ by Dolly
Ann CArvAjAl Inquirer.net
We all have crosses to bear. remember: It isn’t the load that weighs you down, but how you carry it. even celebrities who lead such charmed lives have their share of “Calvary.” In observance of Holy Tuesday, I asked some of them about the biggest trials they’ve had to endure. Coco Martin: Name it, I’ve been through it all. It was a long, hard climb. I did odd jobs and even became an oFW. Fame didn’t come easy. I struggled in indie films before I made it to the mainstream. With the Lord’s guidance, my lola’s support and because of my devotion to the Nazareno, I was able to overcome all the obstacles. Rita Avila: What can be darker than losing a 3-weekold son? I rose by holding on to my faith and trusting in God during that very difficult time. I [emerged from that dark period] through the love and understanding of my husband and friends. I rose by accepting PAGE B3
Andi Eigenmann
Rita Avila
No more selfies...
PAGE B1 Briones, rachelle Ann Go and eva Noblezada — are Filipino. Lea wants the new “Miss Saigon” to succeed just like the first one, because it will be a feather in the original production’s cap. “You’re carrying a legacy. If it gets raves, the entire family celebrates. If you get a pan, I get knots in my stomach. I have so many friends in that production.” Lea thinks longevity, not what critics say, is the measure of a theater production’s success. “If the company is happy, and the audience keeps on coming, that’s your last laugh. The best revenge is longevity.” She cites the case of “Les Miserablés.” The musical was widely panned through the years. Yet it’s celebrating its 30th year in London’s West end. Besides, she adds, a review is subjective. The opinion could be the critic’s alone. Lea’s opinion about the contestants on ABS-CBN’s new show, “The Voice Teens,” however,
agrees with her fellow coaches Sharon Cuneta, Sarah Geronimo and Bamboo. This early, Lea found herself turning her chair often — a sign that she likes the way the teen contestant sings, during the blind auditions. She even admits getting goosebumps when she heard the young artists. If this is the way things are going, she adds, viewers at home are in for an exciting season. “It’s a staggering amount of talent. We’ve got instrumentalists, throaty singers and those who lean toward acoustic. It’s wonderful!”Lea gushes. She’s happy to report that the teen singers she’s seen so far know what they want, even before they go on stage. And coming as she does from a coaching stint in the defunct “The Voice Kids,” Lea’s powers of perception tell her teen contestants are different from their kiddie counterparts. “We’re getting much more emotional reactions from teens. I don’t know if it’s hormonal insta-
BeFore Holy Week, “A Love to Last” star and sportsman Ian Veneracion shared on Instagram his recommendation for a summer read. “Inspiring!” the actor said of Charo Santos-Concio’s new book, “My Journey: The Story of an Unexpected Leader.” Using her personal journey as guileless country lass to beauty queen, from award-winning actress to one of the most powerful women in Philippine media, Santos-Concio merges memoir with leadership advice. How does she do this? By relatCoco Martin ing, with endearing honesty, the stories throughout her life that called for a certain self-awareness, made her realize her failings, and imbued her with a sense of purpose. “My Journey: The Story of an Unexpected Leader” spans Santos-Concio’s childhood up to her retirement as ABS-CBN’s first woman president. readers are given a peek into her years as a sheltered doctor’s daughter on the island of Calapan, Mindoro, where her father first taught her how to stand up to thugs; her first brush with high society, wearing a james Yap dress painstakingly assembled by her mother; the compromises she bility. Kids are so cute and happy. had to make—and break—when But for teens, there’s a little more she entered showbiz, and more at stake.” personal experiences which gave These young people, she notes, her invaluable lessons in strength are “putting a little more pressure on themselves.” As for her, Lea refuses to give in to the pressure of producing anPAGE B1 other winner in the mold of Mitoy Yonting and Joshua oliveros, “The cilia Chung must repeatedly explain Voice” winners whom she herself that she’s a woman to people who coached. just don’t get it. Newcomer Ivory She’s aiming at long-term Aquino shines in this role.” (Chung friendships with these talents is the first transgender and Asian instead. Lea enjoys nurturing woman to head the Board of Direcpromising singers, the way she tors of the San Francisco Lesbian, did with “The Voice Kids” finalist Gay, Bisexual and Transgender esang de Torres, who was cast as Pride Celebration. She is still acLittle Cossette in “Les Miserablés” tive as an advocate for HIV/AIDS production in Singapore. awareness and at the Transgender It was Lea who coached esang Law Center.) in “The Voice Kids,” and trained “This is my first trans role bethe girl before she auditioned for cause I have played cisgender roles Les Miserablés. on stage,” Ivory told IndieWire “I like artists I can keep nurtur- during the Television Critics Assoing after it’s (the show) over. And ciation (TCA) press tour in January. there are a few we’ve remained “I have been in New York doing friends with, years after the com- theater, doing Shakespeare. I got petition,” she says. to play Juliet two seasons ago in Lea the coach is just as pas- Bryant Park, and no one knew I sionate as Lea the performer. was trans. And it didn’t matter to No wonder she succeeds both the audience because they were so ways. invested in the story. After playing
Actor Ian Veneracion recommending Charo Santos-Concio’s new book.
and grace. Television and movie fans of all kinds—be they curious about the stars, behind-the-scenes production, or business side—will find a treasure trove of information in “My Journey: The Story of an Unexpected Leader.” As one of the few individuals who successfully made the transition from movie actress to producer to television executive (and made the loop to movie actress again), Santos-Concio provides industry anecdotes that are both entertaining and honest. Part biography, part self-help, this book is unique in its take on leadership. Santos-Concio treats the subject with a nur-
turing tone—a far cry from the aggressive stance that many believe is the defining quality of leadership. She is not afraid to admit her fears and foibles, and reassures the reader that there is power during times of uncertainty and self-doubt. While it is a treat to be given a firsthand look at the ins and outs of the lives of celebrities, equal value should be given to the lessons learned during their most vulnerable times. Santos-Concio goes the extra mile in sharing these moments with the reader, and turns them into tips that the reader can apply to his or her own life. (Deni Rose M. AfinidadBernardo/Philstar.com)
Pinay transgender Ivory Aquino... Juliet, for me, I was telling a cast mate, ‘I could go to heaven now’.” Ivory has impressive stage credentials, which she hopes would help her bag more TV and even film assignments. Apart from playing Juliet and Isabella in Bryant Park Shakespeare’s romeo and Juliet and Measure for Measure, respectively, she performed with the Drilling CompaNY in othello as Desdemona, Julius Caesar as Marc Antony and Henry V as Katherine; and in the world premieres of over the Line and on the Possibilities of endings. With Leviathan Lab’s Quartet Project, she played rosalind in As You Like It;and as a company member of the Bats at the Flea Theater, she appeared in offending the Audience andWaiter, Waiter. other off-Broadway credits include 365 Days/365 Plays with Ma-Yi
Theatre Company at the Public Theater and Ms. oriental at Lincoln Center. Lauding Ivory’s versatility in Julius Caesar and othello, respectively, The New York Times called her portrayal of Marc Antony “so moving” and proclaimed, “Ivory Aquino’s Desdemona exudes affection;” while NYtheatre.com noted that in Julius Caesar, “she balances the irony, genuine feeling, and cold political maneuvering perfectly.” A feature in Backstage Magazine described Ivory further: “…awed by her physical and vocal presence…She had no limitations. She was a powerhouse,” and of her performances in Bryant Park: “Ivory Aquino captures your heart.” “You spend your whole life dreaming of these things,” Ivory told Pink News. “And it’s really humbling when your dreams come true.”
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Houses in front of a river or railroad By Sean
Shono
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The Agimat King at 90 by Ricky Lo Philstar.com
ExcEpT for former Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. who couldn’t make it due to unavoidable circumstances, the celebrator’s loved ones led by daughter Andrea “Andeng” Bautista-Ynares (wife of Antipolo city Mayor JunJun Ynares) were all accounted for when former Sen. Ramon Revilla Sr. celebrated his 90th birthday last March 8 with a dinner at the Revilla mansion in Imus, cavite. From the wheelchair to which he has been confined by a stroke several years ago, alternately cared for by four nurses 24/7, the legendary amulet-gifted action superstar broke into a weak smile and teared up when his family (children, grandchildren and in-laws) sang songs to him, punctuating the end of each song with “We love you!” Bong made his presence felt via a video greeting complete with a song. Former pres./Manila Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada, one of the honored guests who is marking his 80th birthday on April 19, praised Ramon for being the only survivor of the Sampaguita Generation. Oops!!! There are also Sampaguita discoveries Rudy Francisco (into his early 90s) and Eddie Garcia who is believed to be three years older than Ramon but who loves to “confuse” people by joking that he’s much older than 93. From a 2003 Star story titled “Ang Alamat ni Agimat”: he’s a
FATHER AND DAUGHTER REUNITE AFTER 40 YEARS OF LIFE-CHANGING CHOICES AND “MISFORTUNES” ON AN ENCORE EPISODE OF “CITIZEN PINOY!” Decades ago, Tatay Rolando left his wife and daughters in the Philippines to seek a better life in the US. After getting his green card, he petitioned his family, except for Anna Lyn (center) who had turned 21, and was left behind. The years that followed became a series of rough twists and turns for Anna Lyn, including being caught attempting to enter the US on a fraudulent visa. After a fraud waiver prepared by another attorney was denied, leading US immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel put together a convincing fraud waiver package that was quickly approved, paving the way for the much-awaited, happy reunion of this family on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” – Sunday at 6:15 p.m. (PST) on TFC.
Lessons from stars’ biggest... PAGE B2 to live with a broken part of me. But I can live even if I’m Former Sen. Ramon Revilla Sr. with (back row) son-in-law Antipolo City Mayor Jun-Jun Ynares broken. and former Pres./Manila Mayor Joseph ‘Erap’ Estrada; and (from row, from left) son-in-law Cesar Montano: When my former Sen. Bobby Jaworski and daughter Andrea ‘Andeng’ Bautista-Ynares (Jun-Jun’s wife) son Angelo committed suicide, with daughters Cassandra and Via Ynares. there were so many unanswered questions. To make matters worse, I was in Bohol when it happened. I flew back to Manila immediately. That was the loneliest plane trip ever. Nothing could be more painful than a parent burying his or her child. I consoled myself with the thought that I now have my own personal angel up there. James Yap: When I was just beginning my basketball career in Manila, I was disoriented and homesick. I wanted to go back home to Negros, but I didn’t have enough money for the fare. I had to commute daily to our team’s practice, and our meals were budgeted. I couldn’t afford to buy my dream rubber shoes. With other family members including Congressman Strike Revilla and Cavite Vice Gov. Jolo Revilla All my sacrifices have paid off. My faith in God, my family’s (second from right and rightmost, respectively). support and my fervent dream legend in his own right and it’s not Why, many people believe that to become a great professional only because of his agimat (amu- his agimat has been working won- cager saw me through. let) to which his fans attribute his ders in the man’s love life which Andi Eigenmann: When I success as an actor and his suc- can only be described as “very was judged by everyone during cessful conquest of the Senate. the time that the identity of PAGE B4
my daughter Ellie’s father was being talked about … I was lucky enough to have the support of my loved ones. Those who really knew me behind the cameras made me realize how important it was not to let go of myself and, knowing the truth,
not let others dictate [what I needed to do]. Zanjoe Marudo: When I was 16 years old, my Dad migrated to the United States. It was tough adjusting, because I was used to having him around. Dad always PAGE B4
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B April 15-18, 2017 • lA WEEKEND ASiAN JOUrNAl
Mat Ranillo III: The legacy of a great actor By Monet
Lu
In writing this piece, I was given the rare opportunity to talk to one of the greatest Filipino actors of all time. This person also happens to be the man who played “Jesus Christ” in the 90s film, “Kristo.” With the observation of Lent, the timing of this article couldn’t be more impeccable. Continuing the tradition It’s almost customary for an actor who was identified (and quite known) with a role he played, to actually continue playing the same role – only in a different yet much diverse – format. Something Ranillo has been doing in the last seven years. “I still play ‘Kristo’ but [now] in an actual play. When I moved here in the U.S. in 2010, I’ve started doing stage plays with my brother He died from a plane accident. My Dandin Ranillo. He directs and co- Grandfather was the governor of produces them,” he said. our province, so growing up, I expe“Kristo” is a Passion play in rienced life as a public figure – madance-drama pantomime. It was gulo. So I never dreamed of walking shown in parts of northern Cali- that path.” Ranillo continued. fornia from 2010 to 2013, and Ranillo’s mom Gloria Sevilla in 2016. Ranillo also starred in was a famous actress and as talent “Hesu Kristo,” another Senakulo runs in their blood, Ranillo’s sisters, play which casts some of the fin- Suzette and Lilibeth, also followed est Filipino actors in the industry, their parents’ path. This led the way including Vivian Foz as Virgin Mary for him to get into the industry he and Joji Isla as Peter. In September once detested. 2016, Ranillo played the role of “I was active in speech in elSan Lorenzo Ruiz in the musical ementary and high school. It play, “Lorenzo Ruiz, The Filipino became sort of an outlet for me. Saint.” The play was shown at the But I wasn’t known to play a lead St. Lorenzo Ruiz Parish in Walnut, role. I was usually the supporting California. actor or the curtain opener. Then The accidental actor in college, my other sister, Lilibeth, Matias Archibald Ranillo III who also did acting for a short time, — popularly known as Mat — has was doing commercials. So I was been acting since 1977. His first asked to do commercials too, and I movie was with Alma Moreno became active in that. From there, in Bulaklak ng Teatro Maynila, some designers contacted me to do which is an offshoot of the latter’s ramp modeling. Then some talent hit show, “Alindog.” Since then, scouts saw me and asked if I want Ranillo established himself as a to try acting. They asked me to do character actor in the movies “Si- a stage play with veteran actors. I nong Kapiling? Sinong Kasiping?”, remember I was the only one who “Dalawang Pugad, Isang Ibon”, and was not famous. Then from the “Masarap, masakit ang umibig, plays, a TV director saw me and which the actor also considers three had me guest on a TV show on of his monumental films and what ABS-CBn. That started my journey catapulted him to stardom. from stage to TV to film.” For someone who’s been actPerfecting the craft ing for almost half a century, it is “I never really dreamt of becomsurprising that it wasn’t really his ing an actor. I never wanted to be in dream to become an actor. showbiz. They say I am a reluctant “I became an actor by chance. I star. I am very private. I have seanever really liked being a celebrity. sons when I’m in the limelight then I didn’t like politics and show busi- I’m out, then back, then out. I prefer AJ Ads April 2017_Layout 4/11/17 11:48 AM Page 1 overwhelmed ness. My87father was an actor1 then that because I get turned lawyer then got into politics. with being a public figure, like your
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FilAm ARTS and Philippine Expressions Bookshop to host BUKLOD: A Gathering of Filipino and Filipino-American Art and Artists The art exhibit will be open to the public at the Croatian Cultural Center from May 4 to May 11
life is not your own. So I just work then I disappear for a while.” Like a rare gem that he is, Ranillo wasn’t into teeny-bopper roles. He opted for off-beat roles -- roles that were unpredictable or ones you wouldn’t expect an actor would play regularly, by choice. And this is what Ranillo became more known for. “My acting style is the stage-actor-way of acting. More subdued., not explosive. That’s not my cup of tea. I am not into big movements or heavy drama. I prefer doing character roles than to be a leading man. I think those three films (mentioned above) and some others proved that I am a guy who can act. (They) were more of playing a character and accentuating your acting and not (you) as a matinee idol or a celebrity. It’s easy to present yourself as this gorgeous leading-man material but being established as someone who can act is a different story. I didn’t want to be just a pretty face who comes and goes.” The ‘bigger’ roles Ranillo lives with his wife Linda in California, where his children and grandchildren also live. He talked about life as an ordinary man — the “real” life behind the camera and the big role he plays in his grandchildren’s lives. “Being a grandfather to four grandchildren — it’s a different perspective in life. I never thought that I would be given another chance to become a parent again. Caring for my grandchildren relives my memory of being a father to my PAGE B5
LOS AnGELES – The Association for the Advancement of Filipino American Arts and Culture (FilAm ARTS) and Philippine Expressions Bookshop in partnership with the Croatian Cultural Center of Greater Los Angeles proudly present BUKLOD: A Gathering of Filipino and FilipinoAmerican Art and Artists. Over 50 works of art by Filipino and Filipino-American artists are featured in this exhibition, which aims to reassert the presence of Filipino-Americans in the Western canon. Although many Filipino-American artists have been recognized in the art world, their cultural heritage is rarely highlighted nor has there been a body of work categorized as Filipino-American masterpieces in the 600 years of the history of painting. The artists of BUKLOD strive to fill that void with works that instill culture, dignity, and imagination to a cultural landscape that seldom acknowledges and habitually denies them their shared humanity. This exhibition gathers contemporary LA-based artists who anchor their work with their heritage and have an active community involvement to further their respective passion projects as artists. Accompanying BUKLOD is a collection of color prints culled by curator Edwin Ramoran from the works of Filipino- American Masters, many of whom have successfully synthesized their practice to become part of museum collections in the United States. Entitled: OBRA PInTURA: PinoyArtWork (Filipino American Masterpieces from Alfonso Ossorio to Maia Cruz Palileo, 1953-2015), this accompanying exhibit was part of last year’s Larry Itliong Day celebrations in Historic Filipinotown through the Department of Cultural Affairs Arts Activation Fund, with support from Community Partners and sponsored by LIDC (Larry Itliong Day Committee). Another accompanying exhibit is
comprised of monumental sculptures of national Artist napoleon Abueva and Filipino master Solomon Saprid from the collection of Linda nietes-Little. The BUKLOD exhibit will be open to the public beginning on May 4 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., coinciding with the San Pedro’s First Thursdays Artwalk. The exhibit will run until Thursday, May 11 at the Croatian Cultural Center (510 W 7th St, San Pedro, CA 90731). The Opening Reception will be held on Saturday, May 6 from 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. and will include live performances as well as food and artisan booths. Details will be announced within the forthcoming weeks. Artists featured in this exhibition are: Hana Acabado, or Hana ACBD, a Filipino illustrator and designer based in Los Angeles. Hana is a Multimedia Arts graduate of De La Salle College of Saint Benilde - School of Design and Arts and has exhibited her work in Manila, Philippines; Richmond, Virginia; and Los Angeles, California. Hana has worked for local and international clients such as GMA network, a four-book illustration deal in Australia and new World Cosmetics. Diyan BukoBomba, a self taught multimedia artist, solar pyromaniac, musician and community organizer. Her artwork uses creation as a way of finding freedom from inner pains & colonial traumas. She recreates “folk art” and reimagines indigenous and ancestral art as part of her healing process, to indigenize, decolonize and reconnect with her ancestors and native roots. Champoy (born Janeil Sumampong Lim), an LA-based artist born and raised in the Philippines. He primarily draws comics with patterns and humorous images lifted from his personal cosmology. He teaches workshops on woodworking, comics, murals and puppet-making. As a teaching artist, he likes to instigate
Lessons from stars’ biggest... PAGE B3 picked me up after school and used to watch my basketball games. But he often called me up to make his presence felt. That experience taught me how to be strong and independent. Benjamin Alves: Back in 2013, I found out that my mom had a brain tumor that needed to be removed immediately. Our whole family leaned on Him for strength, and that trial actually brought us closer together. God truly does answer prayers. My mom is alive and well, even after such a difficult battle. Benjamin Alves
age gracefully
Racking Up the Protein With Lamb
The Agimat King... PAGE B3
Spiced Rack of Lamb
BY GRACE O
Serves 6–8
Whenever possible, I use grass-fed beef over corn-fed beef because cows were created to eat grass, not corn. The meat from animals that graze grass—cows, lambs, or even buffalo—contains more of the good-for-you omega-3 fatty acids and less of the bad-foryou omega-6s. And I make sure I buy meat from farms that treat their animals well by not injecting them with hormones or feeding them too many antibiotics.
Lamb’s vitamin B12 is good for energy, and its lysine helps repairing tissue. Garlic’s many compounds, including allicin, work in tandem to create a relaxing effect on artery walls, keeping them free of excess cholesterol and minimizing inflammation. I use garlic with black pepper and horseradish to spice up this rack of lamb. New Zealand lamb is lower in fat, cooks faster, and is more tender than American varieties such as Colorado lamb.
Ingredients New Zealand rack of lamb (about 1 lb.) Sea salt and ground pepper to taste 1 tsp. minced garlic 2 Tbs. prepared horseradish 1–2 tsp. minced rosemary 1–2 tsp. minced thyme 1–2 tsp. minced parsley 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs 1 Tbs. melted butter
1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees 2. Sprinkle the rack of lamb with the salt and pepper. 3. Sear the lamb, fat side down, in a large nonstick skillet over high heat until browned, about 3–5 minutes. Turn over and sear for 3 minutes. Remove from skillet and place in a roasting pan.
with grandson Bryan, Bacoor Mayor/daughter-in-law Lani Mercado-Revilla; and daughters Gianna, Loudette and Inah
4. Mix the garlic and horseradish. Spread over the lamb. 5. In a small bowl, combine the rosemary, thyme, parsley, and breadcrumbs. Fold in the melted butter. 6. Pat the herb-breadcrumb mixture over the lamb and roast at 450 degrees for 10 minutes for rare, 12 minutes for medium rare, or 15 minutes for medium to well done.
© 2017 by FoodTrients.com
Protein is very important for strong muscles and bones. Lean protein helps achieve weight loss. I love meat—it has riboflavin, vitamin B12, tyrosine, and the FoodTrient zinc—but I enjoy it in moderation, which protects against cardiovascular disease. I also am careful about eating cured meats, which can aggravate joints and promote gout.
GRACE O is the creator of FoodTrients®, a unique program for optimizing wellness and longevity. She is the author of two award-winning cookbooks – The Age Gracefully Cookbook and The Age Beautifully Cookbook, which recently won the National award for Innovation from the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards. She is a fusion chef with a mission to deliver delicious recipes built on a foundation of anti-aging science and her 20 years in the healthcare industry. Visit FoodTrients.com to learn more. Email us at info@FoodTrients.com
and encourage creative atmospheres allowing play and flow in everyday consciousness to occur, something which he believes is very essential to his own creative process. nicanor Evangelista Jr.`s creative energy is channeled through music, art & cinematography. A descendant of Tagalog/Kapampangan and Macao/Visayan ancestry, his creative energies and intuition is influenced by sacred geometry and ancestral indigenous arts. His love for nature and the ancestors is what fuels his spirit to create and capture beauty. Lyn Pacificar, a Filipina American artist and lineage healer born in Los Angeles, of Ilonggo and Waray descent. Pacificar is an oil and mixed media painter, who uses indirect painting methods by building depth through underpainting and glazing techniques. Currently, Pacificar’s work is inspired by her trip to the homeland of the Philippines in 2015. Her paintings are an expression of that change as a powerful experience of energetic transference from her father’s passing. In the waters of Tinuy-an Falls and the Hinatuan Enchanted River, Pacificar was blessed by the spirits of the land and came into her full destiny as a healer. Eliseo Art Silva was born in 1972, the same year PH President Ferdinand Marcos declared Martial Law. Silva was an undergraduate at Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles (then located in Koreatown), when the 1992 LA Riots erupted. He was 22 yrs old and a junior at Otis when he created his signature work: the Gintong Kasaysayan Filipinotown mural. The Martial Law era in the Philippines, the 1986 Philippine Revolution and the 1992 LA Riots shaped Silva`s art; and, his work directly address the visual dehumanization of his culture by reconciling the history of his lineage with the history of painting.
fruitful, indeed,” blessed as he is with, according to unconfirmed reports, about 80 children. (And if I may add, with heaven knows how many women.) “Actually,” clarified Andeng, “we are only 49 children, ‘yung duly accounted for and documented.” All the children are supported by Ramon, according to Andeng whose nickname must have been presumably inspired by that of Ramon’s mom whom he called nanayAndeng who, after her husband’s death, singlehandedly raised her 10 children, with Ramon as the youngest, “Our dad’s constant reminder to all of us is to finish studies because, he said, education is the best gift that he could give us.” In that old STAR interview, Ramon was asked if he really had an agimat. With an enigmatic smile, he confirmed, “Yes, I have. It was given to me by a relative of nardong Putik.” (Also a Caviteño, nardong Putik, whose real name was Leonardo Manecio, was
played by Ramon in a movie that he himself produced in 1972 and it made so much money that sustained Ramon’s own Imus Productions which made mostly true stories that earned him the title Father of True-Life Movies.). To whom will Ramon bequeath his agimat? Had anybody asked Ramon during his birthday, I’m sure he would have readily told who. (Do we see Bong smiling?). Bacoor Mayor Lani’s request: omit gifts, help fire victims As she turns 49 tomorrow, April 13, Bacoor, Cavite Mayor Lani Mercado is requesting her well-wishers not to give her gifts and instead donate clothes, food, blankets, medicines and other goodies to the more than 2,500 victims of the fire that hit Barangay Maliksi last April 5. Rendered homeless, the victims are temporarily housed at the Maliksi Elementary School. Donations may be delivered to the CSWD at the lobby of the Bacoor City Hall. A few days ago when Lani was
Zanjoe Marudo
about to give her regular flag ceremony speech, she was interrupted by good friend Manilyn Reynes via Video Tape Recorder (VTR), and was asked to sit down and relax while the stage was transformed into a mini talk show set. To Lani’s surprise, a special talk show-cum-reunion was being staged. Yayo Aguila, another good friend, emerged from the back stage and sang a song that made Lani emotional. That kicked off the talk show-themed birthday aptly called her “Road to Gold.” During the Q&A, Lani was asked about her plans for Bacoor. But the question that really floored Lani was where she got the strength as she talked her multiple roles as mayor, mother, grandmother (Mamita), not to mention dealing with a husband (former Bong Revilla) who is in detention. “I get my strength from my family, my children, my grandchildren and most specially from my husband who, despite the situation, continuously gives me strength and moral support,” Lani said, almost choking. “I also get strength from the people of the City of Bacoor, my constituents who continue to trust and support me.” What about her love life? (He and Bong were given the hashtag LaBong. “napaka-init pa rin,” she gamely answered. “Pag magkasama kami walang pwedeng mangistorbo.” In AVP, Lani’s friends Lorna Tolentino, Tirso Cruz III and his wife Lyn Ynchausti, Princess Punzalan, Congressman Alfred Vargas and Gary Valenciano wished her good luck and good health. The birthday surprise started a month-long celebrations marked by special activities including Alagang Ate Lani Feeding Programs and medical missions. This is in line with Lani’s battlecry: OnE TEAM, OnELOVE, OnE BACOOR!
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75th Anniversary of Bataan Death March commemorated at Bob Hope Patriotic Hall FILIpInO WWII Veterans were giving their Salute when Consul General Adelio Cruz laid the wreath for their fallen comrades at the 75th Anniversary Commemoration on April 11, 2017 at the Bob Hope patriotic Hall. The panel of Speakers and the Community in attendance gave them in turn a rousing applause at the end of the program for witnessing the milestone event. The day started early, at the Hall of Administration when a dozen Filipino WWII Veterans, with their spouses, widows and advocates were recognized by Hon. Janice Hahn, Supervisor of the 4th District, with a Certificate of commendation handed to Dr. Jenny Batongmalaque, representing the Filipino Veterans Foundation at the Bob Hope patriotic Hall. Consul General Adelio Cruz and Gil Mislang, the curator of the exhibits of WWII memorabilia displayed at the Bob Hope patriotic Hall were also acknowledged for having coordinated the 75th Anniversary program for April 11. Lynda Johnson, Field Deputy of Supervisor Hahn led the entourage to meet and greet the Board of Supervisors. At the Bob Hope patriotic Hall, the program started with the Carson High School Color Guards presenting the flags of the United States and the philippines. Gen. Ruth Wong, Director of the Dept. of Military and Veterans Affairs welcomed the audience and gave her Salute to the Veterans. Dr. Jenny Batongmalaque showed the Film Clip on the Bataan Death March giving the historical perspectives of WWII. Then she introduced Robert Tidwell, portraying Gen. Douglas MacArthur who gave his remarks. Consul General Cruz gave his brief but heartfelt Keynote Address, having visited and bonded with the Veterans at the Bob Hope patriotic Hall since he took office in the Fall. He thanked Gen. Wong, Director the Dept. of the Military and Veterans of the L.A. County for giving the Veterans a place to call the Bob Hope patriotic Hall as
their second home where they can meet their comrades and friends every Tuesday, held together by the Filipino Veterans Foundation. The City of Carson presented the Certificate of Commendation to the Filipino Veterans Foundation with the strong support of Councilman Elito Santarina, who was unable to attend. Juliet Martin led the singing of “Amazing Grace.” The highlight was the Laying of the wreath brought forward by Manny Salomon former Chair of the Veterans Affairs Commission, City of Carson, and handed to Consul Gen. Cruz, who laid the wreath with a reverent salute followed by “Taps.” Gil Mislang gave his remarks on why we must do this commemorative so the younger generation and generations to come will know about the sacrifice of the Bataan Death Marchers for our freedom and democracy. The closing remarks were given by Thomas Ruck, Director of the Los Angeles national Cemetery, who ended the program with a prayerful benediction. Everyone sang “God Bless America” led by Emcee, Benito Miranda. A sumptuous luncheon reception followed at the purple Heart Inn, supported by patrons and Donors. Dr. and Mrs. Manuel Baculi, Archie Calunod, Zeny Sabocor, Vicky Soong, Lydia Solis, Marilou Barreto and supporters gave their congratulatory compliments, at the same time handed checks as donation from the organizations they represent, namely pEDRO, Kalayaan Inc., the Bicolandia organization, and the philippine Women’s Alumni Association. Evelyn Andamo, paraluman Tabuena, Manuel Salomon and Dr. Sal Abiera were also present and gave their generous contribution as patrons. Unable to attend but donated were Joe Merton, Lina phillips, Alex Cainglet, Hon. Lito Santarina, The philippine Independence Inc. of Carson, Jim Dear and pete Fajardo, former Mayors of Carson, AVA IpA led by Dr. Arnel Joaquin and the prim patterson family, descendants
Mat Ranillo III: The legacy... PAGE B4 children. I told Krista she should make memories with her kids now because these memories would be embedded in their minds and hearts as they grow old. I lost my father when I was in grade school and that was during the moments that I was already bonding with him. I looked up to him as my role model. Then he died. And I lost that fatherly figure, so I vowed to myself that when I become a father I would definitely treasure it. I will make the most of my time with my children. I took that role seriously. When Krista was born, I stopped working for a year and as she was growing up, I would often bring her to location shoots and out of town trips. I’m glad she still remembers them up to this day.” As a husband, Ranillo takes every chance he can to spend time with his wife despite his busy
schedule. “When I have to go out of town, I would bring my wife instead of bringing my manager or publicist, so I would have time for her,” he shared. Once again, ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Mat Ranillo, one of the greatest actors of all time will be honored for his lifetime of achievement on April 29, 2017, at the Beautiful Life Celebration 2017 at the LA hotel in downtown Los Angeles. *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, award-winning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration . To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or
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of a Bataan Death March survivor. The Volunteers, led by Linda Organo, Juliet Balaoro, Maria Gutierrez, Ben and Coreen Ramos, Ray Manalo, Romeo and Minda Bejo, with Don Lawrence and Charlie Batongmalaque of E.R.B. Foundation and Filipino Veterans Foundation, produced an almost flawless one-hour program at the Auditorium of Bob Hope patriotic Hall, with the assistance of Deputy Director Stephanie Stone, Rose Bueta, Chuck Jester and Tatiana Rosas of the Dept. of Military and Veterans Affairs. Gil Mislang, the Curator and Director of the Lt. Alex nininger Chapter of the philippine Scouts Heritage Society, together with Wilma Bautista, Cultural Affairs of the philippine Consulate coordinated with the Filipino Veterans Foundation which made the week-long commemorative a success. Graphics for the program was created by Sam Baton. Most of all, the Filipino WWII Veterans present were appreciative of the event and the attention they received from everyone. They also gave generously to the occasion, namely: Veterans Juanito and Olive piamonte, Roger and Mrs. Dagdag, Vicente and Mrs. palad, Fred and Mrs. Credo, Marcelino and Tita Gawat, Constantine and Mrs. pontillas, Leonardo and Mrs. Samson, Simplicio Mique, primitivo Culas, Meliton Bantiles, Helen Casipe, recently widowed of the late nicolas Casipe, Sam Johnson, and Jesus Matias. A USAFFE Veteran, Celso Mamaid, 94, passed away the day
Dr. Jenny Batongmalaque receiving the Certificate of Commendation from the City of Carson, handed by Gen. Wong in lieu of Councilman Elito Santarina who was indisposed.
Highlight of the Program: Consul Gen. Adelio Cruz lays the wreath for the Defenders of Bataan and those who gave their lives in WWII in the Pacific War.
“General Douglas MacArthur” portrayed by Robert Tidwell.
Gil Mislang, curator of the exhibits displayed at the lobby of the Bob Hope Patriotic Hall, gives his remarks. Over the years, Mislang collected the WWII memorabilia and artifacts for the Lt. Alexander Nininger Chapter of the Philippine Scouts Heritage Society. Seated, L-R: Robert Tidwell, Lynda Johnson, Gen. Wong, ConGen Cruz, and Emcee, Benito Miranda. Not seen is Tom Ruck, Director of L.A. National Cemetery.
before the program. Absent from the program were Cmdr. and Mrs. Emeterio Corpuz, Eliseo and Mrs. Tomines, Ramon Lladoc, Dionisio Dukha, Alfredo and Felisa Lorenzo, Julian Dologuin, Leonardo and Mrs. Crook, Adelio Diaz and Lope Atanacio. They wish to convey their heartfelt “Thank you,” to all who remembers Bataan and Corregidor. You can be their advocate and meet them every Tuesday for a pot-luck lunch on Tuesdays at the Doolittle Room in the ground-floor of the Bob Hope patriotic Hall. Call Julie Balaoro for details at 310- Survivors of WWII in the Philippines: (L-R) Front row: Fred Credo, Vicente Palad, Roger Dagdag, 424-757-2504. (Contributed by Dr. Leonardo Samson. Seated behind: (L-R) Helen Casipe, recently widowed of the late Nicolas Casipe, Juanito Piamonte, Constantine Pontillas, Marcelino Gawat, Primitivo Culas, Simplicio Jenny Batongmalaque) Mique, and Sam Johnson. Not seen, Meliton Bantiles and Jesus Matias.
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COMMUNITY Journal
Your Immigration Solution Eric r. WElsh and nancy MillEr ON Monday, April 3, 2017, the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) began accepting petitions from employers seeking to hire professionals with “specialized knowledge” in the H-1B nonimmigrant category. An approved petition will allow a foreign worker to change status in the U.S. or apply for a visa abroad and start work at the beginning of the fiscal year (i.e., October 1, 2017). USCIS has announced that once again, it will be using a random lottery to pick petitions for further processing, and will stop accepting petitions once it receives a sufficient number to begin the lottery. Based on recent years, we expect that USCIS will close the window for filing by around April 10. USCIS uses this lottery system because the H-1B category is severely oversubscribed, meaning that there are more petitions filed than there are H-1Bs available. The H-1B is capped at 65,000 for each fiscal year. Last year, USCIS initially received about three times that number of petitions. If a petition is subject to the cap but not randomly selected in the lottery, USCIS will summarily reject the petition and return the filing fee to the employer. Some workers are not subject to the cap and can file at any time. A person who was already counted against the cap in the previous 6 years and applies for an H-1B with a new employer is not subject to the cap. Extensions are not capped, and spouses and children applying for H-4 are not counted against the cap. Certain workers at institutions of higher education, related or affiliated nonprofit entities, and nonprofit or government research institutions are not subject to the cap. A physician holding a J-1 visa who receives a waiver can avoid the cap. Persons who possess a U.S.-earned master’s degree
Beating the lottery: Understanding and overcoming the H-1B cap
or higher have access to an extra 20,000 H-1Bs, and can still apply in the general pool if that number is met. Additionally, numbers are set aside within the cap specifically for citizens of Singapore and Chile applying in the “fast track” H-1B1 category (1,400 for Chile, and 5,400 for Singapore). The requirements to qualify are identical to H-1B, but the procedures for applying abroad are streamlined, and extensions are permitted beyond 6 years. Because the demand for the H-1B1 is not as high as the H-1B, there are usually visas available for H-1B1 applicants throughout the year, meaning that applicants from Singapore and Chile are not affected by the lottery. Qualified professionals from Mexico and Canada can avoid the lottery by applying instead for a “TN” visa. The TN visa is a product of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Because NAFTA defines a professional more broadly than H-1B, there are typically more options for a Mexican or Canadian applicant seeking to enter to work in a professional capacity. Other alternatives may exist for professional workers who were rejected by the lottery, or who missed the narrow filing window during the first week of April. Treaty-trader (E-1) and treaty-investor (E-2) visas are excellent options for nationals of qualifying countries. An individual can apply for an E-1 visa if the person is engaged in substantial trade with the U.S., defined as at least 50% of the trader’s international business. An individual who makes a substantial investment into a real and active commercial enterprise in the U.S. can qualify for an E-2 visa. In additional, certain employees of companies that qualify for “trader” or “investor” status under these
criteria can receive E-1 or E-2 visas, as can their spouses and children under age 21. If the company is majority-owned by citizens of the treaty country, the E visa may be a viable option. Workers who are currently employed abroad might avoid the H-1B visa if they are seeking a transfer to an office in the U.S. that is affiliated with the foreign employer. Such a worker may be qualified to apply for an “L” via for intracompany transferees. The L visa is available to an employee who has worked for at least 12 months during the last three years for a foreign employer, and is seeking to transfer to an office or organization in the U.S. that is a branch, affiliate, subsidiary, or parent of the foreign organization. The L visa is only available to employees who are executives, managers, or who have specialized knowledge. Playing the lottery rarely comes with good odds, and the H-1B lottery is no exception. Every applicant has unique circumstances, and persons who are serious about living and working in the U.S. should consult with a knowledgeable and experienced immigration attorney to plan for the possibility of lottery rejection, or to explore other options that may prove better than the H-1B. *** Reeves Miller Zhang & Diza is one of the oldest, largest and most experienced immigration firms in the United States with offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Manila. For more Information please call (800) 7958009 or visit www.rreeves.com. Telephone: (800) 795-8009 E-mail: immigration@rreeves.com Website: www.rreeves.com. *** The analysis and suggestions offered in this column do not create a lawyer-client relationship and are not a substitute for the personalized representation that is essential to every case. (Advertising Supplement)
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Minding Your Finances Atty. RAymond BulAon IS the government after you for huge unpaid taxes that you cannot afford to pay? Do you get sick to your stomach not knowing what the government will do next to collect what you owe? Most people think they have no recourse when it comes to dealing with the Internal Revenue Service. This is absolutely NOT TRUE! Don’t let the IRS take advantage of your lack of knowledge – because they will (it is, after all the, the government we’re talking about here). There are completely legal and ethical ways to put the IRS at bay. What you need is the knowledge about IRS procedures and rules that will help you in fighting the tax man. You have legal rights as a taxpayer but if you don’t know what they are, there’s a chance you’re not getting a fair deal when dealing with the government. These powerful strate-
Immigration Corner Atty. BRiAn leRneR QUESTION: I will be applying for asylum. I’m not exactly sure of the process, but if I lose, will I be deported? Answer: Clients who have arrived in the United States and who have not been issued a Notice to Appear (NTA) will apply for asylum “affirmatively,” meaning that they will be interviewed at an asylum office, and an asylum officer (AO) will decide their case. Such clients are sometimes called “applicants.” The application is made by mail to a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Service Center, and includes Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal. The place where the client lives determines which service center should receive the package. The client can bring a friend or family member to the interview to act as an interpreter, if needed, as well as an attorney. If interpretation is used, the AO will use a phone monitor to ensure that the
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Tax problems? Don’t let the IRS ruin your life! gies I’m talking about can buy you precious time to save your business, your assets, and your sanity! Is your tax bill actually GROWING every day? Believe it or not, the penalties and interest that the IRS is charging you can exceed 20% in some cases! This means that if you can just get some of the penalties and interest removed from your account, you can drastically reduce the total amount of your tax debt. Of course, the government will not tell you this and it is up to you to find out for yourself how this can be possible under certain circumstances. Ultimately, you want to accomplish four primary objectives when fighting the IRS: Remove the threat and worry of the taxing authorities taking aggressive collection action against your income and assets. Seek a reduction in the total amount of debt. Negotiate a formal resolution
to your tax situation that will be the most affordable arrangement given your financial situation. Ensure the appropriate steps are taken to permanently eliminate any possibility of a future tax burden. If you owe the IRS, the State or both and don’t have the money to pay them, I would like to help you resolve your tax liabilities. My office will work diligently to prevent any enforced collection action such as bank account and accounts receivable levies and seizure of assets. Please call TollFree 1-866-477-7772 and let us review your situation. We have offices in Glendale, Cerritos and Valencia. ***
Tax Tips VictoR Sy, cPA, mBA
ARE you a U.S. citizen or resident working in a foreign country? Did you declare your foreign income? Did you even file a tax return? Or are you hiding from the long and lovely arms of the IRS? Can the U.S. government reach you on the other side of the globe? Unfortunately, yes. But is there a way not to pay federal income taxes on your earned income? Fortunately, yes! Well, perhaps, there may not be a reason to hide. Perhaps, there’s a reason to declare your foreign income and not pay federal income taxes. You see, there’s this goodie called Foreign None of the information herein is intended Earned Income Exclusion that alto give legal advice for any specific situation. lows you to earn $$$ and not pay Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped federal income taxes. Too good thousands of clients in getting out of debt. to be true? Read on and learn. For a free attorney evaluation of your situ1. You may exclude $101,300 ation, please call Ray Bulaon Law Offices at for 2016 ($102,100 for 2017) of TOLL FREE 1 (866) 477-7772. foreign earned income. To qual(Advertising Supplement) ify for the exclusion, your tax home must be in a foreign country and you must meet either one of the following tests: A. The bona fide residence test: You must be a resident of a foreign country for an uninterrupted period covering a complete tax year. You must show intention to I-94 card showing asylee status, establish residence even if there and an Employment Authoriza- are temporary absences for short tion Document (EAD). Second, the AO may deny the case. This can only happen if the client is in lawful status, such as Barrister’s F-1 student. An AO can only deny Corner the case if the client has a legal status to fall back on. Before denying the case, the AO will usually send a Notice of Atty. Kenneth Intent to Deny (NOID) that out- uRSuA ReyeS lines his or her concerns, such as inconsistencies in the client’s YOU and your spouse may testimony. The client will have have gone through a lengthy and an opportunity to respond and contentious divorce proceeding. provide additional evidence. If This is usually the most difficult the AO is still unconvinced that period of a person’s life. Finally, the case has merit, he or she will time heals all pain. You and your deny it. As with approvals, the spouse get tired of bickering and client will get written notice of being mean to one another that the denial. you both decide to compromise Question: If it is denied, what each other positions and resolve happens? all issues in your divorce case Answer: Clients who have been through settlement. Shortly issued a NTA are in removal pro- thereafter, the divorce judgment ceedings. Clients may receive an is finally entered by the Court NTA because they filed affirma- and you get a sigh of relief. Lattively but were referred to court er you discovery that “Oops!,” by an AO. Also, clients who have your ex-spouse had community passed a Credible Fear Interview asset and/or debt that was left u PAGE C5 out of the divorce judgment.
Will I be deported if I lose my asylum case? interpreter is providing accurate service. All family members who are included in the application should appear at the interview. However, the AO typically does not need to speak to anyone other than the principal applicant. An asylum interview is non-adversarial, meaning that no government attorney is there to oppose the case. The AO is neutral. In practice, the purpose of an asylum interview is for the AO to assess the client’s credibility. At the conclusion of the interview, the client’s attorney may summarize key facts and legal issues for the AO to consider. At some asylum offices, the client is notified that he or she should return to the asylum office to receive the AO’s decision. In many cases a decision is mailed instead. Note that it will take in some places 2 to 4 years to actually receive the interview. The AO can make one of three decisions about an asylum claim. First, the AO may grant the case. The client will be mailed a letter outlining his or her rights and benefits as an asylee, a stamped
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Foreign earned income exclusion trips back to the U.S. B. Physical presence test: This test is met if you are physically present in a foreign country for at least 330 full days during any consecutive twelvemonth period. 2. Both of these tests may be waived if you leave the foreign country on account of civil unrest or adverse conditions similar to the conditions in Iraq, Iran, Egypt, Afghanistan, Pakistan, or Ukraine. 3. In addition to the foreign income exclusion, you may also exclude housing amounts such as rent, fair rental value of housing provided by your employer and included in your income, insurance, rentals of furnishings, and utilities (but not telephone). 4. You may elect the exclusion by filing Form 2555 or 2555 EZ with your income tax return. 5. Is excluded Foreign Earned Income subject to self-employment tax? Yes, it is. Private Letter Ruling 8749061 states that foreign earned income is considered income from trade or business and is therefore subject to self-employment taxes (FICA and Medicare). Since then, IRS has issued regulations that income exempt from income tax are now subject to self-employment tax. CAVEAT: Some states, including California does not have a
similar exclusion so you have to pay state income taxes on your foreign income. But here’s a TIP: claim non-residency if you are abroad for 18 consecutive months and do not intend to return to the State. Take advantage of a new Safe Harbor Rule that allows individuals domiciled in California but are outside the State on an employment-related contract, unless you have intangible income in excess of $200,000 in any taxable year when employment-related contract is in effect or the principal purpose of absence in California is to avoid tax. TIP: If you were outside the United States on April 15 (April 18 for 2017), the due date is automatically extended to June 15 without the need to file an extension form. *** Victor Santos Sy graduated Cum Laude from UE with a BBA and from Indiana State University with an MBA. Vic worked with SyCip, Gorres, Velayo (SGV - Andersen Consulting) and Ernst & Young before establishing Sy Accountancy Corporation in Pasadena, California. *** He has 50 years of experience in defending taxpayers audited by the IRS, FTB, EDD, BOE and other governmental agencies. He is publishing a book on his expertise - “HOW TO AVOID OR SURVIVE IRS AUDITS.” Our readers may inquire about the book or email tax questions at vicsy@live.com. (Advertising Supplement)
Dealing with assets omitted from a divorce case This may be a pension, retirement account, a hidden bank account, or a piece of real estate property which was not divided in the judgment. What is one to do in this situation? The answer can be found in California Family Code §2556. California Family Code §2556 provides “In a proceeding for dissolution of marriage, for nullity of marriage, or for legal separation of the parties, the court has continuing jurisdiction to award community estate assets or community estate liabilities to the parties that have not been previously adjudicated by a judgment in the proceeding.” California Family Code §2556. Even if the parties did not expressly reserve jurisdiction on
that piece of asset, the Court retains the power to divide a specific property if there is a community interest in it. The Court’s “continuing jurisdiction” over omitted community estate assets or debts is invoked by filing a post judgment Motion, or Request for Order in the divorce case. Family Code §2556 provides “A party may file a postjudgment motion or request for order in the proceeding in order to obtain adjudication of any community estate asset or liability omitted or not adjudicated by the judgment.” The postjudgment partition of the unadjudicated community estate claims is properly entertained by the court even absent an express reserva-
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Calendar of Events across
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‘A Musical Odyssey’ in Cerritos, CA Pangasinan Brotherhood-USA, Inc. and DreamAgeGroup presents Rudolf Paleaz Golez, an internationally acclaimed Filipino virtuoso pianist in “A Musical Odyssey” on Saturday, April 15 at 7:30 p.m. at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts. Other local singing talents will be present at the concert, such as recording artist Sean Collado, aspiring actress and singer Sheila Tejada, Sabrina Oxciano and Samantha Murray. Ticket prices are $35, $65 and $100. Proceeds of this performance will go toward the Pangansian Brotherhood-USA’s scholarship funds, which helps academically successful seniors who are college-bound in both the greater Los Angeles area and the Philippines. The performance will be at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts’ Sierra Room at 12700 Center Court Drive South, Cerritos, California 90703. Interested parties may contact project managers Dan E. Nino at (562) 921-5116 or denino1951@gmail.com; E. Mendoza at (623) 341-6247 or thedreamagegroup@gmail.com; Lino F. Caringal, Jr. at (714) 808-2642 or linojr.caringal@gmail.com; Bong Soriano at (909) 851-1493 or believe1156@gmail.com; Neil Estrada at (562) 301-9972 or bluezero2sixty@yahoo.com; or Feliz Lopez at (562) 572-2301 or fblopezinsurance@msn.com.
APRIL 20
CAUSE’s annual gala in Los Angeles Join Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (CAUSE) for its annual gala on Thursday, April 20. It will be held at LA Hotel’s California Ballroom at 333 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071. The event begins at 5 p.m. with a VIP reception. For more information and sponsorship opportunities, please contact kim@causeusa.org or visit www.causeusa.org.
APRIL 21
Fundraising event to benefit the first-ever Filipino American Heritage and Arts Museum in Las Vegas The Filipino American Heritage and Arts Museum (FAHAM) will host “Heritage Celebration - Filipinos Landing in California,” a fundraising event on Friday, April 21, starting at 6:00 p.m. at the Dallas Ballroom of Texas Station Hotel and Casino. Festivities include a buffet dinner, arts exhibits, vendor booths, cultural entertainment a native fashion show, a Philippine history presentation, and dance performances. The cultural entertainment will be provided by the FAHAM Cultural Dance Group, Heart of Polynesia, Gina Kim Korean Dance Group, Filipiniana Dance Company of Las Vegas, Sophia Ramos, Sharon Tanyag, and DJ Mike. Emcees will be Amie and Leo Belmonte. The donation is $50 / person. Attire is formal. FAHAM is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and is currently America’s first Filipino American Museum, Archives, Legacy, Culture, Innovation Research Center, and Library Garden founded in Delaware by Mrs. Ditta Camomot, M.Ed., M.A. Its holdings are artifacts, ethological materials, and ecclesiastical, historical, arts and ephemera collections, as well as environmental projects. Texas Station is located at 2101 Texas Star Ln, North Las Vegas, NV 89032. For tickets and more information, please contact Salve Edelman at (702) 418-8968.
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Afternoon of bowling and networking with Fil-Am Chamber of Commerce of Greater Los Angeles The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Los Angeles (FACC-GLA) proudly presents an “afternoon of bowling fun and networking” on Sunday, April 23 from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Matador Bowling Lanes at 9118 Balboa Blvd., Northridge, CA 91325. Enjoy the Sunday afternoon with fun, laughter and meet new friends. Please RSVP to Connie Mapue, secretary of FACC-GLA at (323) 337-7714. Fee for bowlers, $25 / person (FACCGLA members); $30/person for non-members. $15 / person for non bowlers
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12th annual Sikad ng Bayan bike ride in Anaheim Hills, CA The Sikad ng Bayan (Cycling for the Nation) is an annual bike ride that raises funds to build preschools for less fortunate communities at Gawad Kalinga (GK) villages in the Philippines. It is a non-competitive ride that will be held on Saturday, April 29, where cyclists traverse the Orange and Los Angeles counties. And in true Filipino fashion, this fun ride culminates in a Pinoy-style luncheon where cyclists can get together and know more about Sikad. It will be held at the Yorba Regional Park (7600 E La Palma Ave, Anaheim, CA 92807). For more information or to register please visit www.sikad.org or call Rey D. at (562) 964-1445 or Robbie V. at (949) 351-8344.
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Filipino Cultural School to host “Sari-Sari Talent Show 2017” in Cerritos, CA Filipino Cultural School (FCS) will host its 2nd annual Sari Sari: Talent Show Fundraiser on Sunday, April 30 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Josephine’s Cerritos (11305 183rd St, Cerritos, CA 90703). Filipino Cultural School, based in Cerritos, CA and other neighboring cities, is a 501(c)(3) Non Profit Organization geared to the preservation and promotion of the Philippine heritage and culture. FCS has and continues to be open to all. Filipinos and non-Filipinos who are interested in Philippine culture are invited to attend. “Sari-Sari” is a Tagalog word for “variety,” and in this talent show, FCS aims to celebrate the diverse talents of our community members in forms of singing, dancing, spoken words, etc., along with some great Filipino food from the restaurant. Pre-sale tickets are $10 for ages 13 years old and above, and $5 for ages 12 years old and under. Door prices will be $15 for ages 13 years old and above, and still $5 for ages 12 years old and under (ticket prices do not include food). The raised funds for the event will go towards helping cover for the cost of venue, insurance, and materials for the FCS Summer Program. For information on how to purchase a ticket and also sign-up to perform in the show, please visit the website http://filipinoculturalschool.org. For any inquiries, feel free to contact FCS at filipinoculturalschool@ gmail.com.
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Philippine Consulate Outreach Mission in Carson, CA The Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles will have an outreach mission in Carson, California on Saturday, May 6 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. It will be held at the Carson Community Center Rm. 107 ABC at 801 E. Carson St., Carson, CA 90746. Services include passport applications (new and renewal), dual citizenship applications, notarization of legal documents, reports of marriage and reports of birth, and overseas voting registration. Please note that all services are by appointment only; walk-in applications will not be accepted. Please stay tuned for the official notice of online application and scheduling from April 6 to May 5 at www.philippineconsulatela.org. For more information, please contact Riezl Locsin-Pe Benito at (310) 952-1743 or rpebenito@carson.ca.us. This mission is done through the Philippine Consulate General Los Angeles in cooperation with Assemblymember Mike Gipson (64th assembly district), City of Carson Councilmember Elito M. Santarina, Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce—SouthBay Los Angeles Area, Farmers Insurance, Carson Adult Day Health Care Center, Dreams and Visionaries of South Bay, Inc., and the Philippine Independence Day Foundation, Inc.
25th Annual Filipino Fiesta in Waikiki, HI The Filipino Community Center, Inc. will be hosting its 25th Annual Filipino Fiesta on Saturday, May 6 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Kapiolani Park in Waikiki. This year’s theme marks the 25th year of the annual celebration with the theme, “And the Fun Continues...” The event is free and open to the public! Participation from the local Hawaii and Hawaii-Filipino community from the over 100 Filipino community organizations, U.S. and or Philippine based business owners and/or their representatives are expected. For more information about the Filipino Fiesta, please visit www.filcom.org or call (808) 680-0451.
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Fighting for civil rights in the face of police misconduct TERRY Lafitte was a 49 year-old black man riding his Protecting bicycle in the dark of night in South Central Los Angeles. Employee Two sheriff’s deputies, in their & Consumer squad car, saw that Lafitte’s bicycle did not have safety Rights light reflectors attached to it. Atty. C. Joe SAyAS, Jr. The deputies also claimed that that they thought Lafitte was drunk. The deputies tried to stop him by yelling at him through their vehicle window. They did not use their loudspeaker, siren, or light bars. Lafitte did not stop but continued to ride his bicycle to his home a block away. Arriving at his home, he dismounted and walked his bicycle to his backyard. By this time, the two deputies had initiated foot pursuit of Lafitte, and had caught up with him in his backyard as he was climbing up the stairs. A deputy grabbed Lafitte’s arm but according to the deputies, Lafitte turned around and assaulted the deputies. The occupants of the house, including Lafitte’s pregnant sister (Sandra Cotton), his nephew, and his three young daughters, had come out of the house and pleaded with the deputies to stop beating Lafitte. By this time, Laffitte was face down on the ground, with one of his hands handcuffed, while a deputy held him in a chokehold, and the other deputy had his knee on his back. Cotton reached for Lafitte’s un-cuffed hand, but was violently kicked away by the deputies. Lafitte’s nephew was also thrown face down on the ground. While cuffed and lying face down on the ground, Lafitte allegedly pulled an unloaded revolver from his shorts and threatened the deputies. The deputies claimed to have shot him almost simultaneously, to the head and his thigh. The unloaded revolver and a BB gun were recovered from the scene but neither had Lafitte’s DNA or fingerprints. Lafitte’s wife and three daughter sued the County of Los Angeles for, among other things, wrongful death, negligence, excessive force, failure to properly train, supervise, and discipline, and negligent infliction of emotional distress. The County denied the family’s claims saying
that the deputies acted reasonably in the course of their duties. The deputies claimed that the occupants of the house had come out and surrounded the deputies and some were acting belligerently. The deputies claimed they feared for their lives and shot Lafitte. The police owes a duty to use reasonable care in deciding to use and in using deadly force. The “reasonableness” standard simply asks: Are the officers’ actions “objectively reasonable” in light of the circumstances confronting them? A police officer, therefore, may use deadly force only if he has a reasonable belief there is an immediate risk that the person being detained will cause death or serious bodily harm. However, an officer who uses excessive force in making an arrest violates that person’s right to be secure against unreasonable search and seizures. This right is protected under the 4th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The victim or the heirs of a person who died as a result of an officer’s excessive use of force may be entitled to recover monetary damages for loss of financial support, medical and funeral expenses, and for the loss of love, companionship, care, assistance, protection, affection, and moral support that the decedent provided during his/her lifetime. The heirs may also be entitled to punitive and exemplary damages, prejudgment interest, and reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs. Rather than continuing the case to trial, the County of Los Angeles settled Lafitte’s family’s claims for $1,500,000. *** The Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas, Jr. welcomes inquiries about this topic. All inquiries are confidential and at no-cost. You can contact the office at (818) 291-0088 or visit www.joesayaslaw.com. *** C. Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. is an experienced trial attorney who has successfully obtained significant recoveries for thousands of employees and consumers. He is named Top Labor & Employment Attorney in California by the Daily Journal, consistently Aselected as Super Lawyer by the Los Angeles Magazine, and is a member of the Million Dollar-Advocates Forum. (Advertising Supplement)
Dealing with assets omitted from a divorce… PAGE C2 t
tion of jurisdiction in its prior judgment. Marriage of Moore & Ferrie (1993) 14 CA4th 1472, 1483, 18 CR2d 543, 549, fn. 9. The postjudgment motion is available to any omitted asset or debt not adjudicated by the divorce judgment. However, Family Code §2556 does not extend to division and adjudication of any separate property. Marriage of Klug (2005) 130 CA4th 1389, 1396, 31 CR3d 327, 331–332. If an asset was partially omitted, the Court can still divide and
adjudicate the portion that has been omitted postjudgment under family code §2566. Community Property adjudicated under § 2556 shall be divided equally “unless the court finds upon good cause shown that the interests of justice require an unequal division of the asset or liability.” Family Code §2556. *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He has extensive
CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kureyeslaw@gmail.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com. *** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. This article is not a solicitation. (Advertising Supplement)
C APRIL 15-18, 2017 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
Debt Relief Atty. LAwrence yAng YOU may be surprised to find out that quite a number of dead people were resurrected. The Bible mentions some resurrections that occurred en masse at the resurrection of Jesus. The whole Christian world celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ this Sunday about 2000 years ago, after His death on the cross on Mt. Calvary. When Jesus died on Holy Friday, “the earth shook, the rocks split and the tombs (of various saints in Jerusalem) broke open” Matthew 27:50-53. Those open tombs remained open until the third day. At that time, “the bodies of many holy people…were raised to life. The came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people”. On the day that Jesus was raised to life, these saints were also raised and became witnesses in Jerusalem of the life that only Jesus can give. So this is already a bunch of people that were raised from the dead. Who else was raised from the dead? Elijah the prophet raised the widow of Zarepath’s son from the dead (l Kings 17:17-24) Elijah was staying in an upper room of the widow’s house during a severe drought in the land. While he was there, the widow’s son became ill and died. In her grief, the woman brought the body of her son to Elijah with the assumption that his presence in her household had brought about the death of her boy as a judgment on her past sin. Elijah took the dead boy from her arms, went to the upper room and prayed, “Lord my God, let this boy’s life return to him!” Elijah stretched himself out on the boy three times as he prayed and “the Lord heard Elijahs’s cry, and the boy’s life returned to him, and he lived”. The prophet brought the boy to his mother, who was filled with faith in the power of God through Elijah. Elisha, another prophet, not to be confused with the other prophet Elijah, raised the Shunammite woman’s son from the dead. He regularly stayed in Shunem in an upper room prepared for him by this woman and her husband. One day, while Elijah was at Mount Carmel, the couple’s young son died. The woman carried the body of her son the Elijah’s room and laid it on the bed (2 Kings 4:18-37).
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How many people were raised from the dead in the Bible? Then, she looked for Elijah. When she found him, she pleaded with him to come to his room. He sent his servant, Gehazi, ahead of them with instructions to lay Elijah’s staff on the boy’s face. As soon as Elijah and the mother arrived back to his room, he shut the door and prayed. Then he stretched out on top of the boy’s body, and the body began to warm. The boy then sneezed seven times and awoke from death. Elijah then delivered the boy, alive again, to his grateful mother. A dead man resurrected after his body was thrown into Elisha’s grave. Don’t get confused here. We’re talking about the prophet Elisha, not the prophet Elijah. As you probably know, God brought Elijah up to heaven in a fiery chariot. So Elijah is one of two people who did not died but was brought into heaven alive and kicking. The other person who was brought to heaven alive was Enoch. Who was Enoch? Enoch was the great grandfather of Noah, the guy with the Ark full of animals saved from the great flood. Enoch was 365 years old when God took him to heaven still alive. Pretty cool, huh? Sometime after Elisha had died and was buried, some men were burying another body in the same area. The gravediggers saw a band of Moabite raiders approaching, and rather than risk an encounter with the Moabites, they threw the man’s body into Elisha’s grave. “When the body touched Elisha’s ones, the man came to life and stood up on his feet (2 Kings 13:20-21). The first resurrection performed by Jesus was for the dead son of the widow of Nain. As the Lord approached the town of Nain, He met a funeral procession leaving the city. In the coffin was a young man, the only son of a widow. When Jesus saw the procession, “his heart went out to the woman and he said, “Don’t cry”, then Jesus came close and touched the coffin and spoke to the dead man. “Young Man I say to you, get up.” Obeying the divine order, “the dead man sat up and began to talk” (Luke 7:1117). And so, Jesus turned the funeral into a praise and worship service: “God has come to help his people,” he people said.
Jesus also resurrected the dead daughter of Jarius, a synagogue leader. A crowd surrounded the Lord when Jairus came to Him, begging Him to visit his house and heal his dying 12-year-old daughter. Jesus began to follow Jarius home, but on the way a member of Jarius’ household approached them with the sad news that his daughter had died. Jesus turned to Jarius with words of hope: “Don’t be afraid, just believe, and she will be healed. Upon arriving at the house of Jarius, Jesus took the girl’s parents, Peter, James, and John and entered the room where the body lay. There, “he took her by the hand and said, “My child, get up!” Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up (Luke 8 42-55). Jesus resurrected his friend Lazarus who had been dead for four days (John 11). The apostle Peter raised Tabitha from the dead (Acts 9:36-43). The apostle Paul raised the young man Eutychus from the dead (Acts 20:7-12) Of course, any list of resurrections in the Bible must include the resurrection of Jesus Christ. His death and resurrection are the most important events in the history of the world. The resurrection of Jesus is different from the other resurrections in that the resurrection of Jesus is “permanent”. The others that were resurrected died again when it was time for them to die again. They all died twice. Jesus rose, nevermore to die. The resurrection of Jesus is proof that his plan his for us to have eternal life with Him, God the Father and God the Holy Spirit! This is the best news there is in the history of the world from our loving Father! If you need bankruptcy relief, please call my office for an appointment and I will analyze your case personally. “Because I live, you will also live” — John 14:19h *** Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in bankruptcy, business, real estate and civil litigation and has successfully represented more than five thousand clients in California. Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 1000 S. Fremont Ave, Mailstop 58, Building A-1 Suite 1125, Alhambra, CA 91803. (Advertising Supplement)
To Live With Faith
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Easter: A season of hope and promise
struggles. If we don’t have hope, we will perish. Hope is what led Mary Magdalene to run to the disciples to let IT’S a brand new day! For me, them know that Jesus was not in this greeting sums up the mes- the tomb. Hope is what made the sage of Easter, not only because disciples run as fast as they could we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection to look inside the tomb and to refrom the dead, but also because alize what Jesus said was true: we rejoice in the fact that there on the third day he would rise is always hope for each one of us again. Hope is what propelled amidst our personal and global Mary and the disciples to go out
reverend rodeL g. BALAgtAs
to the whole world and proclaim the Good News of salvation in Jesus Christ. We have reason to hope and to hold onto God’s promise of new life, not only in the heavenly life, but also in our earthly life. There is hope for all of us as we struggle to live in this world. It can be hope for a good education or a better job to lift up one’s fam-
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Preventing abandonment of your green card due to travel abroad
A GREEN card holder can travel outside the US and return with some limitations. If a green card holder is outside the US for an extended period of time, he may be considered to have abandoned his permanent resident status. Brief travel (such as for a vacation) normally will not affect permanent resident status. However, abandonment of permanent resident status is a potential issue for green card holders who have to leave the US for an extended period of time (over 1 year) for one reason or another, such as to finish studies or work abroad. In such situations, how can a person avoid losing his green card? If a person plans to be outside the US for an extended period of time (over 1 year), an application for a reentry permit must be filed. A reentry permit establishes that one did not intend to abandon his green card, and it allows one to apply for admission to the US after being outside the US for up to 2 years without having to obtain a returning resident visa. Reentry permits are normally valid for 2 years from the date of issuance. A permanent resident can re-apply for subsequent reentry permits. Each subsequent reentry permit would be valid for 2 years. As aforementioned, if one is outside the US for an extended period of time without a reentry permit, he may be considered to have abandoned his green card. If a permanent resident has been outside the US for more than 1 year and attempts to re-enter the US, he may be referred to an Immigration Judge to determine whether he has abandoned his permanent resident status. An application for reentry permit should be filed at least 60 days prior to the contemplated extended trip outside the US. While a person does not have to be present in the US at the time his reentry permit application is approved, it is important to file it with sufficient time prior to the trip to allow time to receive the biometrics notice after the application is filed, and have biometrics taken. An applicant must provide his biometrics while in the US. If an applicant leaves the US before biometrics are taken, the USCIS may deny the application. What if a permanent resident has already left the US and either has 1) been outside the US for over 1 year or 2) been outside the US for over 2 years with an expired reentry permit? The Department of State on its website advises to apply for a Returning Resident Visa. To qualify for a Returning Resident Visa, you must show a valid reason why your stay abroad was extended, and that the reason for the extended stay was beyond your control or for which you were not responsible. Another (perhaps better) option would be to re-enter the US--if US customs denies admission due to abandonment of your green card, you will have an opportunity to argue before an Immigration Judge here in the US that you did not abandon permanent resident status. Obtaining a green card often is a difficult process. For some, it takes many years. It is accordingly important to take all steps necessary to maintain permanent resident status once attained. If you plan to be away from the US for an extended period of time, or have been away from the US for an extended period of time without a reentry permit, or a reentry permit that has expired, it is recommended that you consult with an experienced attorney. *** Darrick V. Tan, Esq. is admitted to practice law in California and Nevada. Mr. Tan is a graduate of UCLA and Southwestern University School of Law. He is a member of the Consumers Attorney Association of Los Angeles and is a former member of the Board of Governors of the Philipp ine American Bar Association. LAW OFFICES OF DARRICK V. TAN, 3580 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA 90010. Tel: (323) 639-0277. Email: info@dtanlaw. com. (Advertising Supplement)
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Community Journal
Will I be deported if I lose my… PAGE C2 t similarly go before an immigration judge. This process will take one to two years depending on the backlog of the court. Question: What if I lose at the Immigration Court? Answer: You will then have 30 days in which to appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). This is still an administrative body. It will take about one to two years to receive a decision by the BIA. Question: What happens if I lose at the BIA? Answer: This will be your first opportunity to appeal via what is
known as a Petition for Review. This is when it will actually go to the Circuit Courts of Appeal and be heard by three justices. This usually takes another year. Question: What if I will lose at the Circuit Court of Appeal? Answer: This means that you can do a Petition for Rehearing En Banc. This is when it still stays at the Circuit Court of Appeal, but is transferred to the entire panel of Justices, not just three. This takes about another six months. Question: What if I lose the Petition for Rehearing? Answer: You would then do a
Writ of Certiorari to the U.S. Supreme Court. To get to this point, many times, it will take eight to 10 years. ***
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • APRIL 15-18, 2017
C
Easter: A season of hope and…
PAGE C4 t
ily from poverty. It can be hope for a recovery from sickness and another chance to live a healthy life. It can be hope for a happy reAtty. Brian D. Lerner has been an Immigration tirement, for a renewal of friendAttorney for nearly a quarter of a century. ship, or for forgiveness and recHe is married to a Filipina and has helped onciliation in one’s family. There is hope for a country thousands of Filipino families all over the country. In addition to his offices in Southern that suffers from corruption, California in Long Beach and Carson, he has greed, and violence. There an office in Quezon City. He is a certified is hope for a drug addict or a specialist in Immigration and Nationality drug pusher. There is hope Law by the Legal Board of Specialization, for a president of a nation to California State Bar. The initial consultation change his leadership and pois free. Call (562) 495-0554 and/or send an litical perspectives. There is e-mail to blerner@californiaimmigration.us. hope for the poor and the rich, (Advertising Supplement) the simple-minded and the educated to help one another to bring progress to their country. There is hope for the church and the government to work together to keep unity and peace in the nation. There is hope for the international community to eradicate violence, terrorism, and racism in the world. Without hope, we would dwell in the darkness of pessimism, negativism, and fatalism. We’ll keep blaming and accusing each other of our problems. We’ll live in the myth that there is no possibility to change because of the dictates of culture,
genes, family upbringings, religious beliefs, worldviews, and mental attitudes. As long as we hope, we will find solutions to economic and political problems, remedies to illnesses, reconciliation in relationships, and growth in ourselves. In this Easter Sunday’s Second Reading (Col: 3-1-4), St. Paul tells us to hope in Jesus Christ: “If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Think of what is above, not of what is on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ your life appears, then you too will appear with him in glory.” Dennis Hamm, SJ interprets St. Paul’s words not as a kind of withdrawal from ordinary life, but as an active and positive engagement in it. He explains: “As we read on in this letter, however, it becomes clear that he is very much thinking of ordinary life. He says that the negative stuff we all deal with—anger, lust, greed, deception—must be addressed with the healing power of the new life we have in Christ. The resur-
rection of Jesus enables us to let God reign in our ordinary lives in ways that demonstrate we are part of a new creation—not complete, but that kingdom is evident wherever communities allow the spirit of the risen Lord to have its way.” Indeed, we have reason to hope and to believe in God’s promise of new life, as a long as we invite the risen Christ to transform our hearts, minds, and souls. Let this Easter be for each of us a new beginning filled with new opportunities and new encounters. Let it speak to us of freshness of a new life, of a brand new day! Happy Easter to all! *** From a Filipino immigrant family, Reverend Rodel G. Balagtas was ordained to the priesthood from St. John’s Seminary in 1991. He served as Associate Pastor at St. Augustine, Culver City (1991-1993); St. Martha, Valinda (1993-1999); and St. Joseph the Worker, Canoga Park (1999-2001). In 2001, he served as Administrator Pro Tem of St. John Neumann in Santa Maria, CA, until his appointment as pastor of ImmAaculate Heart of Mary, Los Angeles, in 2002, which lasted 12 years. His term as Associate Director of Pastoral Field Education at St. John’s Seminary began in July 2014.
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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • APRIL 15-18, 2017
MARKETPLACE SHOWROOM
PH business optimism rises by Roy
&
Stephen C. Canivel
Immigration Corner
Inquirer.net
BUSINESS optimism in the Philippines marked its highest quarterly rating in over half a decade, keeping its rank as the second highest in that regard among 36 economies in the first quarter of the year, data from a global survey showed. This is according to the Grant Thornton International Business report, which covered 2,400 businesses in the first quarter, asking for business insights, including optimism that the local economy would grow in the next 12 months. The Philippines scored a net of 98 percent in the Jan. to March period, which is 18 points higher than the net recorded in the last quarter of 2016. This is also the highest quarterly score since at least the fourth quarter of 2010. The data did not detail quarterly ratings from anytime before that year. The country was second to Indonesia, which got a net of 100 percent, a 12-point increase from the last three months of last year. During the fourth quarter, Grant Thornton also reported that the Philippines ranked second highest for business optimism, second to India and Indonesia, which both had 88 percent. Higher levels of optimism in
Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ
Marivic Españo, chair and CEO of P&A Grant Thornton
the country reflect the positive outlook for businesses across the Asia-Pacific region. Marivic Españo, chair and CEO of P&A Grant Thornton, took notice of how developed economies in the region were turning positive, following a relatively clearer trade direction that the U.S. is taking. “With confirmation of a U.S. withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership, at least businesses can now begin to manage the fallout. Many will be looking to see how trade relations with the US pan out in future and, in the meantime, the corridor to China for exports looks positive as its economy continues to recover,” she said in a statement.
Business agreements worth $470-M signed during Duterte visit to Saudi Arabia by alexiS
RomeRo
Philstar.com
RIYADH – Seven business deals worth $470 million were signed Wednesday, April 12 in a development that officials said reflected investors’ confidence on the Philippine economy. President Rodrigo Duterte witnessed the signing of the agreements during a business forum attended by top business leaders of Saudi Arabia and the Philippines. “The estimated amount of investment is about $470 million. That will create 16,000 new jobs in the country,” Trade secretary Ramon Lopez said in a press conference. “We look forward to a much stronger relationship with Saudi Arabia. They’re doing a lot for our citizens here and we see bright prospects,” he added. Lopez declined to name the companies who will sign the
agreements but revealed that they are into halal production, tourism, hotels, pharmacy, manufacturing, agriculture, engineering, tourism and logistics. “It was good that the president himself is our trade and investment ambassador. Every time he talks with his counterpart, he pushes for trade and asks them to buy more of our exports and invite investors to the Philippines and to take advantage of the current economic boom we are experiencing,” Lopez said. Trade volume between the Philippines and Saudi Arabia hit $1.12 billion in 2016. The Philippines imported $1.04 billion worth of goods, mostly petroleum and oil, from Saudi last year while Philippine exports only hit $82.46 million. Among the Philippine products being exported to Saudi Arabia are fruits, pastry, sauces and seasonings.
President Rodrigo Duterte is welcomed by Prince Faisal bin Bandar al-Saud, governor of Riyadh, upon his arrival in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, April 11. Malacañang photo
PH seeks Saudi help in oil exploration RIYADH—Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi has asked the help of Saudi Arabia in the Philippine government’s effort to explore and extract the country’s oil and gas reserves. Cusi said he made the appeal during his meeting with Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih at the sidelines of President Duterte’s meeting with King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud on Tuesday, April 11. Cusi said he had also submitted a proposed memorandum of understanding to his Saudi counterpart but declined to provide further details on its content. He said the proposed MOU would certainly help in efforts of the Philippine government to explore oil and other deposits that could boost the country’s energy situation. The Philippines has long been exploring gas and oil in the seas
of Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and Palawan as well as in the Liguasan Marsh in Maguindanao to ease its dependence on imported petroleum. The Liguasan Marsh alone had been touted to hold millions of cubic meters of methane and possibly petroleum. There was also optimism that the Davao to Agusan basin would produce the much-needed oil or gas. The Department of Energy has been actively promoting these areas as oil and gas exploration fields. It has so far awarded contract areas to Chinese and other foreign companies for oil and gas exploration activities, especially in Palawan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. Under the Petroleum Act, the government stands to earn about 60 percent in royalties from extraction activities. (Allan Nawal/Inquirer.net)
MANY legal permanent residents (LPR or green card holders) mistakenly believe only U.S. citizens can petition family members. Even after they obtain their green cards, they still wait many years until they finally become citizens, before they petition family members. This belief is WRONG! LPRs are able to petition the following family members: • Spouse • Unmarried children, whether the children are under or over 21 years of age. It is true there are certain family members who can only be petitioned by U.S. citizens. Those family members include (aside from the above): • Parents • Married children • Brothers and sisters However, there is no need or reason for an LPR to wait to become a U.S. citizen to petition his or her spouse or unmarried children. In fact, waiting to become a U.S. citizen could result in sever-
D
Permanent residents can petition their spouses and unmarried children al years of delays and separation. For example, if a person obtains a green card, ordinarily, he or she has to wait five years before being eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship. It may take another one year for their naturalization application to be processed, and for them to finally take the oath of citizenship. So, they have now sat back for approximately six years before they finally file a petition for a spouse or unmarried child. Had they filed the petition for their spouse or unmarried child as soon as they received their green card, the spouse or child would have already been eligible for their own green card and eligible to file for citizenship after 5 years! Instead, six years were lost, while the petitioner waited to become a U.S. citizen. If you are about to become an immigrant, or are already an immigrant, and want to petition your family members, you should seek the advice of an attorney about the best and fastest way to do so. In some cases, these family members might be included under your petition as deriva-
tives. In some instances, it may not be beneficial to naturalize, especially if seeking to qualify a child under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA), unless you can naturalize before that child’s 21st birthday. Also, sometimes it may be necessary to become a U.S. citizen before the family member can be petitioned to obtain a green card in the U.S. That’s why, rather than relying on hearsay, gossip, or the wrong information, seek the advice of an attorney who can set you straight on the best and fastest avenue for petitioning your family members and being reunited with them in the US. ***
active member of the State Bar of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different. The information contained herein including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and reenactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and does not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorneyclient relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader. WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: (866)—GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES · SAN FRANCISCO · NEW YORK · PHILIPPINES
Michael J. Gurfinkel is licensed, and an
(Advertising Supplement)
Business Quote of the Week ““Don’t limit yourself. Many people limit themselves to what they think they can do. tYou can go as far as your mind lets you. What you believe, remember, you can achieve.” - Mary Kay Ash, founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics
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Pay yourself first: Fund your IRA with your tax refund by DaviD
B. Ko anD Kiro Yoon Wells Fargo
While most of us don’t intend to short change our retirement savings, competing priorities and unexpected expenditures can often get in the way of consistent retirement saving. An easy way to help fund your iRA is to have your tax refund deposited directly into your iRA. Because this represents money you’ve already paid out, it won’t be missed when you redirect those dollars. And, if the refund dollars go directly to an iRA, you can avoid the temptation to splurge and spend that money on something else if it winds up in your checking account. Many financial planners advise taxpayers to balance their paycheck withholdings so they break even – meaning they don’t overpay and then receive a refund at tax time. Using this strategy, you can make money that might be paid in taxes work for you throughout the year and avoid giving the government an interest-free loan. however, if you have trouble saving, a tax refund can be an effective form of forced savings. Directing your tax refund to
your iRA is easy and automatic. if you want your refund to go to just one account, you simply request a direct deposit of your refund on your tax return at the time of filing. if you want the refund to go to multiple accounts (e.g., iRA, checking, savings) you will need to complete iRS Tax Form 8888 when filing your taxes. Completing Form 8888 authorizes the iRS to transfer your tax refund to any number of iRAs or other savings or checking accounts via direct deposit. While you’ll need to complete Form 8888 during tax preparation time, and with the advice of your tax advisor, here are some tips to help you: • if the deposit is into your iRA, check the “Savings” box under lines 1–3 on Form 8888. • You must have an iRA already established at a financial institution in order to have your refund directed to this account. • You need to follow up with the financial institution that holds your iRA and specify which tax year your payment is for. Many providers will assume the payment is for the current calendar year unless you specify otherwise. • if you want your deposit to be
credited as a prior year iRA contribution, you must verify that the deposit was actually made by the tax filing deadline for that particular year—generally, April 15. Keep in mind that even if you already contribute to your retirement savings through a 401(k) or other employer sponsored plan at work, you are still eligible to contribute to an iRA to supplement those savings. With corporate pension plans on the decline and Social Security making up a smaller share of most Americans’ retirement income, it’s important to take charge of your own retirement savings. having all or a portion of your tax refund directed into an iRA is an easy way to help save for retirement. A Financial Advisor can help evaluate where you are on the path toward saving for retirement to help ensure you can live out your unique vision. David B. Ko is Senior Vice President – Investments PIM Portfolio Manager in Brea, CA. He may be reached at david.ko@ wfadvisors.com Kiro Yoon is a Financial Advisor in Brea, CA. He may be reached at keero.yoon@wfadvisors.com.
6.6 million foreign tourists are expected to visit the Philippines this year, 10 percent more than the 5.97 million recorded in 2016.
Tourist influx to fuel PH hotel industry boom by richmonD
mercurio Philstar.com
MANilA - Real estate consultancy firm Colliers international expects the local hotel industry to boom this year in line with the expected surge in foreign tourist arrivals in the country. Colliers said it sees at least 6.6 million foreign tourists visiting the country this year, 10 percent more than the 5.97 million recorded in 2016. The firm’s forecast, however, is lower than the government’s projection of a 17 percent yearAdvertising Supplement on-year growth or seven million foreign visitors for 2017. “The growth of the Philippine tourism sector will be sustained by the influx of visitors from the country’s traditional markets such as South Korea, USA, Japan and China. The four economies account for nearly 60 percent of annual tourist arrivals in the country,” Colliers said.
GMA Network earns an all-time high P3.65-B in 2016 by LoueLLa
DesiDerio Philstar.com
MANilA - Net earnings of GMA Network inc. hit an all-time high in 2016 supported by strong revenue growth. in a filing to the Philippine Stock exchange, the listed broadcast firm said its net income reached P3.65 billion last year, up 72 percent from the P2.13 billion in 2015. GMA attributed the all-time high net profit result to the consolidated revenue performance last year which reached P16.67 billion, a 21 percent uptick from P13.73 billion in 2015. “The boost from the national elections held during the first half of the year coupled by the upbeat turnout from regular advertising placements buoyed the company’s top line for the 12-month period ended Dec. 31,” it said. Airtime revenues rose 22 percent to P15.13 billion last year from P12.38 billion in 2015.
Colliers said the warming relations between the China and Philippines should like- wise result in more Chinese tourists, with an agreement on tourism cooperation signed between the Philippine and Chinese governments last year expected to bear fruit in the next six to 12 months. in addition, it said the tourism sector should benefit from the spillover impact of the successful hosting of major international events the past two years such as APeC Summit, ASeAN Tourism Forum, Routes Asia and Miss Universe pageant. “The successful staging of these events only affirm the Philippines’ viability as a key meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions destination in the region,” Colliers said. These developments bode well for the country’s hotel industry, the property consultancy firm
noted. With robust international arrivals and sustained rise in visitor receipts, Colliers said hotel occupancy in Metro Manila increased two percentage points from 69 percent in the first half last year to 71 per- cent by end-2016. “Outlook for Philippine tourism remains bullish and this encourages hotel developers to ramp up construction of accommodation facilities throughout the country,” said Chris Wells, Colliers consultant for hotels and leisure services. Colliers expects the addition of more than 4,000 rooms to Metro Manila’s hotel room stock this year. “Despite the projected completion of a significant number of new hotel rooms, Colliers sees occupancy rates in Metro Manila hovering between 65 percent and 70 percent over the next 12 months,” Wells said.
Batangas tremor losses reach P2-B “The resurgence of the network as the leader in terms of nationwide TV ratings buoyed revenues from regular advertising placements,” GMA said. Citing Nielsen’s 2016 National Urban Television Audience Measurement, GMA said it was ahead the other TV networks in total day ratings through its 36.3 percent audience share compared to ABS-CBN Corp.’s 36.2 percent and TV5’s 7.8 percent. Revenue from production and other sources rose 15 percent to P1.54 billion last year from P1.35
billion in 2015. GMA’s operating expenses, meanwhile, climbed seven percent to P11.53 billion last year from P10.75 billion in 2015. While GMA’s net earnings reached unprecedented levels last year, GMA chairman and chief executive officer Felipe Gozon said he remains confident the firm would post positive results this year. “even without political advertisements this year, we are expecting GMA’s financial performance to be even better than last year,” he said.
The recent earthquake swarm in Batangas province left P2-billion worth of damage, most of these on houses, churches, government buildings and business establishments, an official of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) said. lito Castro, PDRRMC head, said his agency would begin distributing construction materials on Monday to help communities rebuild. These include 8,500 bags of cement and thousands of plywood boards and iron sheets bought using funds from the PDRRMC and local governments. in Mabini town, Mayor Noel
luistro said the local government would forego the celebration of the town fiesta as residents reeled from trauma caused by the recent earthquakes. The plaza was earlier adorned by colorful buntings for the April 25 feast in honor of the town’s patron, San Francisco de Paula. “We’ve decided to scrap the festivities and instead offer Mass,” luistro said. “in times of calamities, we should remember our kababayan (townmates) who were affected.” On April 8, Batangas was struck by a magnitude-6 earthquake that was felt at intensity Vii in Mabini. The quake came four days after a 5.5-magnitude tremor
hit the province. These major earthquakes damaged several infrastructures and houses in the province, particularly in Mabini, sowing fear and causing trauma on residents. The Philippine institute of Volcanology and Seismology had recorded more than 2,000 earthquakes in Batangas from April 4 to April 11. But luistro, on Wednesday, said things were starting to normalize in his town, with people slowly returning to their homes. The Mabini General hospital resumed normal operation as repairs started, said local doctor, Oliver Bautista. (Inquirer.net)
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Health@Heart
Marketplace
Sleep less and get fat
percent risk of getting obese; five hours, 50 percent; and for those who sleep less than four hours a day, 73 percent, compared to PhiliP S. Chua, those who sleep eight to nine MD, FaCS, FPCS hours a day. “It is now critical to determine An important study conducted at the Eastern Virginia Medi- the importance of lack of sufficient cal School in norfolk, Virginia sleep during the early formative showed that people who sleep less years in putting our youth on a tend to weigh heavier than those trajectory toward obesity ... a trajectory that could be altered who sleep more. The clinical investigation, if sleep loss is indeed playing a which included 1,000 subjects, role in this epidemic,” Turek’s reported that “total sleep time editorial said. The alarming rise in obesity, decreased as the body mass index (a measure of weight based on especially among children — a subject we have written about in height) increased.” Whether this means that heavi- this column the past several years er individuals tend to sleep less, — is now an epidemic in many and vice versa, or having enough developed countries, especially in sleep makes it easier for people to the United States, where “supercontrol and maintain their normal sizing” of hamburgers, French fries, high-calorie, high-sugar weight, was not clear. The authors of this study warn beverages, and other high-carbothat “this does not establish a junk-food items, have dominated cause-and-effect relationship the fast food chains. As “admirers between restricted sleep and and followers” of trends in food obesity (but) future investigations and fashion in the United States, demonstrating success in weight Filipinos are now facing the same loss via extensions of sleep would overweight and obesity dilemma help greatly to establish such a in the Philippines. What is alarming is not the relationship.” “We’ve put so much emphasis negative aesthetic effect of obesity on diet and exercise that we’ve or of being overweight, but their failed to recognize the value of multitude of dangerous implicagood sleep,” said Fred Turek, a tions on the health and longevity physician at northwestern Uni- of the victims. Insufficient sleep versity in Chicago, who wrote has been shown in other previa related editorial in a recent ous studies to lead to a “cascade issue of the Archives of Internal of metabolic, cardiovascular, and Medicine, where the study was general medical disorders,” but the lay public has somehow not published. Some earlier researches have made the connection yet. Hopeshown sleep deprivation to cause a fully, this recent study will help decline in an appetite-suppressing convince people that enough protein hormone called leptin, and sleep (minimum of eight hours a an increase in another hormone day, which does not have adverse (ghrelin) that causes a craving for effects or possible complications food. In addition, neuropeptides anyway) is essential, not only in in the brain governing sleep and weight control, but in maintaining our health and well-being, and in obesity appear to overlap. In another study involving warding off illnesses in general. As we have stated before, obemore than 8,000 adults, researchers found that those who sleep sity increases the risk, not only only six hours a day had a 23 for cardiovascular diseases and
diabetes, but also for cancer. Those with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) — who snore and do not breathe for a long time, depriving themselves and their organs of oxygen — do not sleep well, waking up tired and without energy, are candidates for a Sleep Study. Sleep apnea also raises the risk for cardiovascular and metabolic illnesses and cancer. Once the diagnosis of OSA is confirmed by the Sleep Study, the standard of care, the best treatment today, is the use of a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) during bedtime. This stops snoring, allows the person to sleep better and longer, waking up refreshed and full of energy — recharged! The CPAP also minimizes heart attack and sudden death during sleep. The use of the CPAP is a lot more comfortable than people think. Hundreds of millions are on CPAP therapy. Adequate quality sleep is indeed vital. However, I would like to state that adequate sleep is only onefifth of the total equation for a healthier, happier, more productive, and longer life. The other four are (1) a healthy diet that is high-fiber, high-grain, low-fat, low-cholesterol, low-carbohydrate, low-salt; (2) daily exercises; (3) stress management and relaxation; and (4) abstinence from tobacco and strict moderation in alcohol intake. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States. Email: scalpelpen@ gmail.com
PH’s ‘mini Silicon Valley’ opens by Deni
Rose BeRnaRDo Philstar.com
MAnILA — If the Americans of the Silicon Valley started their billion-dollar businesses from the garage, in the Philippines, people are considered lucky if they even have a garage, a Filipino government official said. So, for Filipinos, the way to start a life is through a basic house like a nipa hut or bahay kubo, said nora Terrado, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary for Trade and Investments Promotion Group. Playing on the word “kubo,” the government, private businesses and non-government agencies recently launched QBO (also pronounced as “kubo”) Innovation Hub, a 190-square-meter space at DTI International, Sen. Gil Puyat Street, Makati City that will serve as the Philippines’ “mini Silicon Valley,” said Terrado. Taking its cue from Silicon Valley in the US, Blk 71 in Singapore, and MaGIC in Malaysia, QBO represents the Philippines’ pioneering multi-sectoral effort to create an innovation community in the country. In partnership with DTI, Department of Science and Technology (DOST), IdeaSpace, and J.P. Morgan, QBO was established to help speed up growth and learning for startups and entrepreneurs, said QBO and IdeaSpace president Rene “Butch” Meily. IdeaSpace is the brainchild behind QBO. “We are excited to create success stories that will inspire Filipinos to start their own companies instead of pursuing opportunities overseas,” Meily said in a statement. “Our mission is to make the Philippines the startup destination for foreign and local funders,” he said in a speech during QBO’s launch last April 4. QBO, according to him, is a shared platform where partners can develop and nurture the most promising startups. “Our dream is not only matching them with investors, but making them sustainable enough to have an IPO (Initial Public Offering) with the Philippine Stock Exchange… We hope to create success stories and prosperities among startups, as well as contribute to trends, opportunities, and jobs, to show people that they
QBO president Butch Meily (third from right) with his government and private sector partners at QBO. Philstar.com photos by Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo
do not have to go abroad to work for a job they love to do well.” QBO aims to work with bourgeoning businesses of all stripes and also to open other headquarters in different parts of the nation, Agnes Perpetua Legaspi, assistant director, DTI Export Marketing Bureau, told Philstar.com. But, for a start, the hub will cater to “technopreneurs” or entrepreneurs into technology, because, according to her, gone are the days when Filipinos are just into basket weaving, Legaspi said. Studies, such as those that show that the Philippines is the world’s “selfie capital” and that Filipinos are among those with the most smartphones in the world, are proof that, as Legaspi noted, technology is where the talent of the Filipinos are right now. “Filipinos have a big leverage on technology,” she enthused. “With just a good Internet connection, they can create a solution to any problem, may it be in government or business processes.” From an old library, a space in DTI International has been converted into QBO’s headquarters that will initially serve “technopreneurs” who are into creating new inventions and applications or apps, following the footsteps of Filipino technological innovations like shopping portal OLX, free text messaging app Chikka; MyPhone, which claims to be the first Filipino smartphone maker; and electronic loading and share load services. Free office space for startups “Entrepreneurs now are young,” Legaspi observed. “Their median age is 23 years old and most of them are from universi-
QBO’s augmented reality room to cater for startups wanting to expand developments in the field.
ties. Being young gives them logical and creative thinking to address society and business needs.” There are, however, also “serial entrepreneurs” who are not so young but after a few months, are capable of transforming the business landscape with new products, Legaspi said. These serial entrepreneurs are invited by DTI to provide mentorship. QBO has what it calls “open house Tuesdays,” where successful startups share their experiences and journey. The QBO headquarters in Makati, said QBO Director Katrina Rausa Chan, will provide a free space for meetings and a temporary Makati address for startups. It is, she said, will also be a place for startups to collaborate and develop a community with other entrepreneurs. Moreover, it will provide opportunities for startups to connect with investors. “In the past two years, we’ve seen a lot of changes and dynamism. Investors are lining up,” said Dr. Rowena Guevara, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Undersecretary for Research and Development. “The money part is not an issue, as long as you have something concrete, relatable, a product that you can launch that really is solving a need,” Terrado assured. “The financial part will come later. Once ideas are viable, ideas can be easily matched with investors.” The DOST, Guevara reported, invests about Php14 million per year to technology business incubators, and has invested 72 million in the last seven years. For 2017 to 2019, among the department’s priority plans are to develop new and emerging technologies; work on giving entrepreneurs income tax holidays, incentives, and grants for further studies abroad; partnering with Sen. Bam Aquino to pass the Startup Bill that will further promote entrepreneurship among Filipinos. “We want to build the story from the Philippines. Tech-driven businesses are making it big in the ever-changing digital world,” Guevara remarked. Through the help of QBO, she and her partners for the program long to transform the Philippines from the world’s “selfie capital” to its “startup capital.”
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Peso hits 5-month high MAnILA - The peso ended the shortened trading week on a high note, gaining 20.5 centavos to hit its strongest level in almost five months. The local currency closed at 49.43 to $1 on Wednesday, April 12, to mark the last trading day of the week from Tuesday’s 49.635. This was the strongest level for the peso since closing at 49.35 to $1 on nov. 16, 2016. Traders said investors
cashed in on their profits ahead of the Holy Week. The local currency opened weaker at 49.66 to $1 and hit an intraday low of 49.75. It hit an intraday high of 49.4 to $1. Volume increased to $788 million from $577 million last Tuesday. Traders added foreign funds are pouring into the country’s stock and foreign exchange The local currency closed at 49.43 to $1 on Wednesday, markets on renewed investors’ April 12, to mark the last trading day of the week from sentiment. (Philstar.com) Tuesday’s 49.635.
PEZA eyes MCC, WB funding assistance by RichmonD
meRcuRio Philstar.com
MAnILA - The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) is seeking to secure funding assistance from a U.S.-led agency and an international financial institution for its planned development and expansion of new economic zones across the country. PEZA plans to secure a portion of a potential second funding grant from the Millennium Challenge Corp. (MCC), while also eyeing a possible financial assistance from the World Bank. “For MCC, we will ask for assistance for our projects, like we will come up with a masterplan and design of the different economic zones that we will be building in every province and every city,” PEZA director general Charito Plaza said. Aside from economic zone development, PEZA is also seeking the MCC’s technical assistance for development of ports, logistic hubs
and facilities, as well as training programs for workers and small and medium enterprises. “They provided us the information on how we can avail of financial support through grants and aids because their project is geared towards poverty alleviation and economic development which are among the purpose of the economic zones. It will improve the economy and alleviate poverty,” Plaza said. “Hopefully, this will form part of the second tranche. We will be submitting our request soon,” she added. The first compact approved and provided by the MCC to the Philippines in 2010 amounted to $434 million and covered three major projects. A grant package of almost the same amount is expected for the second compact in which PEZA’s economic zone project proposals could be part of. The Philippines in December 2015 was re-selected by the MCC
board to be eligible for a second compact. The MCC in December last year, however, said it deferred a vote on the re-selection of the country for another compact grant over “concerns around rule of law and civil liberties” under President Duterte. “Other than MCC, World Bank is also inviting us to avail of their programs for economic zone development and infrastructure within the ecozones,” Plaza said. PEZA is planning to embark on an aggressive expansion of public economic zones across the country in which some will be offered “rent-free” to entice more foreign companies to set up shop in the Philippines. The agency is looking at building two new public economic zones per region, or a total of 36 across the country. Public economic zones refer to economic zones owned and operated by PEZA.
PH advances ASEAN priorities with Japan MAnILA - The Philippines has successfully advanced Southeast Asia’s objective to engage Japan on innovation, regional partnership and inclusivity of the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) during the recent ASEAn Economic Ministers roadshow, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said. “Japan and ASEAn agreed to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, creating new industries, social agenda such as mobility, energy and healthcare through cutting-edge technology,” said Lopez, who led economic ministers in the region in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Wakayama trips from April 6 to 8. “The ministers reaffirmed com-
mitment to strengthen economic and industrial cooperation in line with the ASEAn-Japan Strategic Economic Cooperation Roadmap,” he added. Lopez said included are cooperation to connect ASEAn SMEs with the global value chain, where SMEs would be supported through capacity building, network and business matching andenabling of new industries and start-ups. “The ministers also welcomed the proposal of the Philippines to organize a regular ASEAn-Japan Trade Fair to promote the best products in the region and the respective branding as well,” Lopez said. The ASEAn delegation held discussions with Japanese Prime
Minister Shinzo Abe, Minister Hiroshige Seko of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and key local government officials to discuss measures to enhance ASEAn-Japan economic relations. The delegation also met with leaders of the Osaka Prefecture and Osaka City governments which have been long partners with Philippine government agencies in promoting investments of their SMEs in the country. DTI said Osaka City would organize a business matching event between Japanese and the Filipino SMEs in automotive and aerospace parts manufacturing and electronics contract manufacturing in September. (Philstar.com)
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